5 Takeaways From Paul VI vs Neumann-Goretti

Paul VI have been one of the top teams in the nation for the past five years and have been to the past three WCAC championship games winning two.  They lost a lot over the past couple of seasons but still returned the top ranked player in the state according to Prep Girls Hoops in senior Ashley Owusu (University of Maryland).  Unfortunately, the Panthers had to spend a couple of weeks without Ashley who had been out due to a slight concussion and without their star they dropped back to back games in the Art Turner Memorial Classic and would have to adjust to life without her in the She Got Game Classic as they faced perennial powerhouse Neumann-Goretti.  The Panthers was up 12-8 after the first and extended the lead to 13 points leading 24-11 at the half.  The Saints flipped the script in the second half forcing overtime and PVI overcame the charge winning the game by a point 53-52. <span style="text-decoration: underline;font-size: 14pt"><em><span style="color: #800000;text-decoration: underline"><strong>5 Takeaways From Paul VI vs Neumann-Goretti</strong></span></em></span> <span style="color: #000080;text-decoration: underline"><strong>Jaelyn Talley may be the next big thing at PVI.</strong></span> [caption id="attachment_21367" align="alignnone" width="150"] Jaelyn Talley[/caption] If you're wondering what happens after Owusu graduates, <strong>Jaelyn Talley</strong> may have answered that question as the freshman dropped 24 points in the win over Goretti.  The six footer was spectacular the entire game and stepped it up in the closing minutes to help secure the one point victory. <span style="color: #000080;text-decoration: underline"><strong>Fiona Hastick will do the dirty work.</strong></span> <strong>Fiona Hastick</strong> has been having a good season so far.  We normally we find the freshman with points in the box score this game she showed that she is willing to do whatever is needed to help her team win games.  She was relentless on the boards and giving the Panthers opportunities for second chance points was the difference in the game. <span style="color: #000080;text-decoration: underline"><strong>Elizabeth Thibodeau is a clutch shooter.</strong></span> [caption id="attachment_21369" align="alignnone" width="150"] Lizzie Thibodeau[/caption] <strong>Elizabeth Thibodeau</strong> is a very efficient shooter.  She makes three pointers at a high percentage and it seems as if she is most effective in crunch time.  She is considered a three point specialist and her two 3-pointers in the game came at just the right time when the team needed a boost. <span style="color: #000080;text-decoration: underline"><strong>Lee Volker is one of the best two way players in the state.</strong></span> [caption id="attachment_21370" align="alignnone" width="150"] Lee Volker[/caption] At 5'11" sophomore <strong>Lee Volker</strong> has the ability to defend multiple positions for Paul VI.  The Panthers were in a zone for the majority of the game but, Lee made it difficult for Neumann-Goretti to score in the areas she defended.  On the offensive end she was also effective tying for the second in scoring for the Panthers. <span style="color: #000080;text-decoration: underline"><strong>Faith Alston earned valuable experience that will pay off in the long run.</strong></span> [caption id="attachment_21368" align="alignnone" width="150"] Faith Alston[/caption] With <strong>Ashley Owusu</strong> out, junior <strong>Faith Alston</strong> was asked to handle the majority of the point guard duty.  She showed that she was more than capable of handling the role.  When Ashley returns Faith won't have all of the attention focused on her and this should allow her to exploit some one on one opportunities against weaker defenders. &nbsp; &nbsp;