10 Thoughts: What Did We Learn From St. John’s-McNamara Game?

Bishop McNamara hosted the St. John's Cadets and a pre poll of the game done by Prep Girls Hoops predicted the Mustangs would win.  St. John's had owned the WCAC last season and with graduations many felt (and still do) that this is the Year of the Mustangs.  The teams will meet again this time the Cadets will play host and I expect the rematch to be just as exciting as part one. &nbsp; <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-size: 14pt">What Did We Learn From The Game?</span></span></strong> &nbsp; <strong>1) These two teams are the biggest draw in girls basketball.</strong> &nbsp; The game was sold out a week in advance and the only tickets available were in the "overflow room", the school's cafeteria/multipurpose room converted into a in house theater with two big screen projectors.  Roughly about 400 people waited in line to watch the game via live stream in the overflow. &nbsp; <strong>2) A regular game for Azzi Fudd is a great game in the real world.</strong> &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_25133" align="alignnone" width="150"] Azzi Fudd[/caption] Azzi Fudd was held scoreless in the first and third quarters and only had 5 points heading into the final period.  With that said she finished with 18 points for the game and basically finished off the Mustangs in a Jordanesque fashion.  Many felt that Azzi would have to score between 30-40 points for SJC to have a chance, she showed the ability to be surgical and striking with precision when the game is on the line.  The rematch most certainly will run through her early. &nbsp; <strong>3) Madison Scott will have to stay in the game for the rematch.</strong> &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_25134" align="alignnone" width="150"] Madison Scott[/caption] Maddie picked up her fifth foul and had to exit the game midway into the fourth quarter.  Ironically, immediately afterwards the Azzi Fudd take over began.   Scott's length and perimeter defense was effective on Fudd, she had a key of her jumper shortly before fouling out that turned into a fast break and a Mustangs lead.  She will need to manage her fouls in the rematch if the Mustangs will have a chance to split games. &nbsp; <strong>4) Taylor Gibson should get more touches.</strong> &nbsp; Taylor finished the game with 6 points going 3 for 3 from the field.   Their was one play where she caught the ball from the high elbow and drove, finishing with contact against the 6'4" Tshitenge-Mutumbo.  She also showed off her shooting touch knocking down a mid ranged jumper.  Having her more involved in the flow may just open up things for the rest of the crew to flourish. &nbsp; <strong>5) Jakia Brown-Turner must get started early.</strong> &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_25143" align="alignnone" width="150"] Jakia Brown-Turner[/caption] Jakia showed why she is an All-American in the fourth quarter and overtime.  She looked to get her teammates involved and was on the bench during long stretches of the game.  With only two points off of free throws to start the fourth quarter she stepped up showing off her three point range and ability to get to the basket.  Jakia couldn't be stopped when she started her run, in the rematch she will need to start earlier. &nbsp; <strong>6) The Johnnies crowd needs to be a factor.</strong> &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_25135" align="alignnone" width="150"] Mustangs Student Section[/caption] The Mustangs student section was on level ten.  There was a couple of times in the game where it looked like the Cadets where about to pull away.  Starting the game with a 7-0 run and with a nine point lead twice in the game, the Mustang faithful rallied their team to get back into the game.  If the Cadet crowd is anything similar, this can turn into a long game for the 'stangs. &nbsp; <strong>7) Dial 3 for Carly.</strong> &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_25136" align="alignnone" width="150"] Carly Rivera[/caption] Carly Rivera had finished with 8 points on a couple of three pointers, it was the timing of the three's that was the difference as opposed to the quantity.  When needed the Cadets can always dial up a three pointer for her and the Mustangs need to be aware of the threat. &nbsp; <strong>8) Aniya Bell plays with a lot of emotion.</strong> &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_25137" align="alignnone" width="150"] Aniyah Bell[/caption] Aniya logged in a lot of floor time scoring 7 points in the loss.  She was assigned to Fudd for a good portion of the fourth quarter and did pretty well bringing a lot of energy to the court.  Her clutch 3 pointer in the fourth quarter gave McNamara their biggest lead and almost changed the outcome. &nbsp; <strong>9) Does depth really matter?</strong> &nbsp; This season their has been a lot of talk of McNamara's depth and St. John's lack of.  With the Cadets having five players to score and the Mustangs only six to get in the books, will having a deeper team really matter? &nbsp; <strong>10) Final thoughts???</strong> &nbsp; They say that it’s extremely hard to beat a team three times in a row.  With that said, would it be better for St. John’s if they were to lose the rematch and on that note if Bishop McNamara loses does that give them the edge for a potential championship game?