5 Stars: McAuley vs. Loyola

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Mother McAuley Invite, a four-team showcase consisting of Providence Catholic, St. Ignatius, Loyola Academy, and the host team. Each game had several stand-out players, and I am going to award Five Stars to my top five players from each of the games. Here are my Five Stars from McAuley vs Loyola: &nbsp; 1 Star: <strong>Arielle Dabu</strong>. Both times I’ve watched Dabu play this year, I’ve been very impressed by how well she does the little things. The 5’7’’ Sophomore Guard isn’t asked to be a big-time scoring threat for the Ramblers, but her ball-handling and on-ball defense are rock solid. &nbsp; 2 Stars: <strong>Julia Martinez</strong>. A 5’10’’ PG with quickness and good control, Martinez is a great floor general for Loyola. Her length makes her a match-up nightmare and she takes advantage of smaller opponents, occasionally posting up in the lane. Also has a good shot from deep. &nbsp; 3 Stars: <strong>Addison Ebeling</strong>. When Loyola was trailing McAuley in the second quarter, Ebeling knocked down three 3-pointers to give the Ramblers the lead going into the half. The 5’11’’ Junior has an elite shot, but her athleticism and size allow her to succeed in nearly every facet of the game. &nbsp; 4 Stars: <strong>Jenna Badali</strong>. The 5’6’’ Guard is a natural scorer who can really rise to the occasion. Badali was kept quiet for the majority of the first half, but stepped up late in the fourth quarter, knocking down a pair of threes and transition layups. Her ability to get in the lane and finish at the rim make her especially difficult to guard. Badali finished with 16 points for the Mighty Macs. &nbsp; 5 Stars: <strong>Grace Hynes</strong>. Hynes is an extremely well-rounded player who is always looking to score. A 5’9’’ G/F, Hynes was the main reason that McAuley was able to hang around with Loyola in the first half. She has the strength and skill to post up nearly anyone on the block, and the intelligence to get an open look at the rim. Also a plus shooter from deep. Hynes finished with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals for McAuley.