Scouting Report: NYA and PEM

Prep Girls Hoops Staff

January 17, 2017 @ 03:00 AM

OT Final: Norwood-Young America 61, Plainview-Elgin-Millville 58 In a Top 10 clash between Class AA powers, Norwood-Young America survived a late turnover and two last-second shots by Plainview-Elgin-Milleville in regulation to emerge with a 61-58 overtime victory. NYA's 5-9 junior Kali Grimm turned it over in regulation, but stepped up huge in overtime to seal the win. Trailing 58-57, she drilled a clutch 3, went 1-2 on free throws and then blocked a potential game-tying 3-pointer in the final 30 seconds to protect NYA's undefeated record. This was an instant classic to start the Hayfield Invitational. MVP — Kali Grimm, NYA Duh. She was awesome in the first half, rolling up 14 points while primarily being defended by PEM's defensive dynamo Morgan Shindelar. Shindelar held Grimm without a basket in second half, including forcing a critical over-and-back call in the waning seconds, before Grimm's exploded in the clutch. She's got a pretty jumper and elevates well after getting to the paint. Defensive MVP — Bren Fox The 6-3 junior showed great length and timing in the paint. Her offensive game is a work-in-progress, but I had her for 7 blocks. She's strong and moves well, showing good instincts and pretty good hands. On offense, she finished with 14 points, primarily converting layups and posting hard. However, her moves and touch could use a little work. Defensive Plays of the Game This went OT, so I'm actually picking two. Shindelar, the track star, gave as good as she got against Grimm. Tied with about 20 seconds to play, NYA drew up a play for Grimm...but Shindelar got a deflection and it turned into a backcourt violation. While Shindelar's play could have won the game, 5-10 sophomore Abby Mackenthun's defense actually did — thanks to Grimm. Trailing 58-57, she ripped Shindelar to start a transition opportunity that ended with Grimm's triple. Grimm's block was huge too, obviously. Best Underclassman Speaking of Mackenthun...I love her game. She's long and quick, creating problems with her length. At 5-10, she attacked well off the bounce and sprinted hard in transition en route to 14 points. Plus, she generally made life difficult for Shindelar, which is easier said than done. The MSU-Mankato track recruit is typically the best athlete on the floor, but the sophomore gave her problems. Bash sisters...or splash sisters? Emmaline Polson and Hayley Dessner, PEM's 6-2 bigs, combined for 31 points, which is right around their average. Dessner dominated the first 10 minutes, pouring in 12 of her 14, before fouling out pretty early. Polson managed 17 points, including the tying free throw with under a minute to play in regulation, and 5 blocks. But here's the shocker: Dessner stepped out to take two treys, splashing one. Polson has talked about expanding her game since the Bulldogs won state, and she stepped out to hit one with her toe on the arc. If either one can make those regularly, that makes PEM a lot more dangerous in their quest to repeat as state champs. Gone streaking...and streak gone NYA improves to 14-0 and figures to jump into our Top 5 when we update the small school rankings next weekend, especially after knocking off Cretin-Durham Hall today. They're legit. Speaking of legit...Saturday was PEM's first loss to a Class AA program since an OT slugfest against Dover-Eyota in the Section 1 title game in 2014-15. They were the second-best Class AA team in the state that year, then romped to a state title last year. I thought they were the best team outside of the big schools last year. But, that 41-game winning streak against Class AA teams is now over. Best coaching move Trailing 53-52 with under a minute to play, PEM coach Jason Melbostad called timeout to set up a sideline out of bounds. He had all five flash to the ball, then had Polson spin off Fox's denial for an easy lob to the vacated backside. She was fouled to prevent the go-ahead basket, but sank 1-2 to send it to OT.