GILBERT, Ariz.—It’s “halftime” in the Valley of the Sun and the participating teams will enjoy the day off and a trip to see the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks in action Sunday afternoon. The action will resume Monday featuring semifinal competition in all six divisions. Yesterday each of us took a look at two individual players that had some strong first round moments. Today each of us offer up two more looks but this time we focus on teams that caught our attention for one reason or another.
Follow the links below for additional Nike TOC coverage.
Day One Daily Double
http://www.bluestartest.com/nike-toc-daily-double/
Day Two “Stocking Stuffers”
http://www.bluestartest.com/nike-toc-stocking-stuffers-day-two/
Day One Stocking Stuffers
http://www.bluestartest.com/nike-toc-stocking-stuffers/
MARK LEWIS
Miami Country Day may have opened TOC play with a heartbreaking last second loss in round one and a ten point defeat on Saturday but you still have to tip your hat to the Spartans. They faced perennial northern California power Archbishop Mitty in their opener and as a reward for coming up short, they got to take on renowned SoCal standout Mater Dei. This comes on the heels of an appearance in the She Got Game Classic in Washington D.C. just a week ago that was no less challenging. After an opening win over Bellarmine Prep out of Seattle they took on both Riverdale Baptist and Paul VI in back to back losses. It’s hard to imagine that any scholastic program has faced the caliber of competition Miami Country Day has thus far. However at some point, just lining up isn’t enough and you need to come away with some success. With a talented backcourt featuring standout juniors Channise Lewis and Kelsey Marshall they have the firepower to put some points on the board. Freshman Maria Alvarez and senior Lindsey Pierre have proven to be strong contributors as well. Another junior Dashaun Jackson provides another athletic presence in the backcourt at 5-11 and sophomore Aasiya Berry has the size to make an impact. Springfield Central is up next on Monday.
There was a common consensus among the college coaches and evaluators courtside at Highland High School on day one that it was a shame that New Trier (Illinois) had to face St. Mary’s out of Stockton, California in the Smith Division’s opening game. The 30 point final margin was more a reflection of the strength of St. Mary’s rather than any disappointment in New Trier. Led by Harvard bound senior post Jeannie Boehm, the Trevians play a strong up tempo game that served them well in round two as they posted a 71 – 55 win over a relentless Springfield Central squad. Boehm may be one of the most versatile and skilled players in the 2016 class and she’s a factor either starting the break or getting out and running the floor with the guards. Coach Teri Rogers senior laden team would have no trouble with a shot clock as they looking to push the ball from make, miss or turnover. Senior Guard Haley Greer. Shaylae Anderson, Autumn Kalis and Kathryn Pedi all know how to play under control at speed. A rare quality on the scholastic level. New Trier takes on Mater Dei when play resumes Monday.
LISA BODINE
After trailing for a majority of the game, Harrison High School (Kennesaw, GA) pulled off an upset over a formidable Archbishop Wood(Warminster, PA). Down 21-17 at the half, The Hoyas turned up the defensive pressure trying to shift the momentum of the game. Sophomore 5-11 guard Audrey Jordan found ways to score and get to the foul line during key stretches late in game. Once Harrison gained the lead late in the 4th quarter it was junior Sydne Wiggins and senior Tobi Woghiren who were the glue players on the floor for the Hoyas. Wiggins, who struggled earlier with turnovers, settled down handled the ball confidentially, facilitating the Hoya’s offense. Harrison continues their journey to the Anderson Division championship on Monday with a semifinal match-up with Oaks Christian.
Bellevue High School (Bellevue,WA) notched their second double digit victory against nationally ranked Highlands Ranch(Highlands Ranch, CO). Portland State signee 6-1 Tatiana Steurn and 6-3 senior Shelby Cansler were able to handle the physical play of the Highlands Ranch posts. With the ball in the hands of their point guard, Stanford signee Anna Wilson of Bellevue played an up tempo transition game, which eventually wore down the Falcons defense. The Wolverines are an excellent ball sharing squad and they have scoring threats at all positions making them a tough match-up going forward.
PRENTICE BEVERLY
In the closest you would ever want to be to a Holy War, Our Lady of Good Counsel (Maryland) lost a tough game Saturday to Archbishop Mitty (California). Good Counsel’s future will be bright once standout 2019 point guard Chloe Chapman gets acclimated to playing high school basketball. At that point, the sky is the limit. The 5-8 Chapman joins an excellent mix of players which includes two seniors, six juniors, one sophomore as well as another freshman. With juniors 5-10 Lindsey Pulliam, 6-2 Cara Judkins and Georgetown commit 6-5 Breonna Mayfield, Good Counsel has a chance to make some noise come playoff time in March. Coaches and fans alike are looking forward to watching them gel and come together as a one.
Going into Saturday’s game Chaminade was the favorite over a very good Centennial team. But like ESPN’s Chris Fowler would say “that’s why they play the game”! Chaminade has two potential McDonald’s All Americans in Duke signee 6-0 Leaonne Odom and USC Women of Troy signee 6-0 Valerie Higgins. The game was a two point affair until Higgins fouled out on questionable call with 1:13 remaining in the game. But fear not Chaminade will be fine come playoff time thanks to their excellent blend of veterans and youth featuring four seniors, one junior, two sophomores and three freshman. Their experience in the 2015 Nike TOC should prove to be a valuable teaching tool to help them get over the hump come playoff time.
