5 Takeaways After Paul VI’s Stunning Comeback Over Ireton

Tink Butler February 12, 2019 @ 12:36 PM

WCAC Seeding Locked Up After Paul VI's Stunning Comeback: 5 Takeaways   St. John's and Bishop McNamara sealed their playoff seeding on Saturday with SJC #1 and Bmac #2. The #3 seed was in question with Paul VI travelling to Bishop Ireton. The Panthers led by two after the first period but, a big second quarter by Akuna Konkwo had the Cardinal leading at the break 36-29. Ireton was able to expand the lead to thirteen points after a three pointer by Sydney Peters made it 47-34 late in the third quarter. The Panthers trailed by seven entering the fourth quarter and their McDonald's All American Ashley Owusu was stuck on 7 points. The comeback was sparked thanks to three pointers by Owusu and Lizzie Thibodeau who's three pointer with two minutes to play made it a 59-57 game. Thibodeau finished the game with three 3-pointers and the Panthers made eight as a team. More importantly Paul VI was nearly perfect at the line going 11-12 as Owusu who finished the game with 19 points went 8-8 at the line with big free throws to seal the game. Konkwo led the game with 26 points and 13 boards and Peters added 11 points off of three 3-pointers for Ireton as they failed to hold on. Paul VI clinched the #3 seed with the win and Bishop Ireton will take the #4 seed as the WCAC playoffs are set to begin next week.   5 Takeaways from Paul IV versus Bishop Ireton: 1. Paul IV has the fire power to make it to the WCAC finals.   Six different players made three pointers for the Panthers and if everyone can stay focused and share the ball, they are nearly impossible to defend.   2. Ashley Owusu is a game changer.   The Panthers had to play the early part of the season without Owusu and it forced players to step up. With the likely semi-final game being against Bishop McNamara, Ashley may have to pull a little extra out as they have lost both contests by single digits.   3. Consistency will be the key for Ireton in the playoffs. You know that Akuna Konkwo will bring a double-double each time that she touches the floor. Knowing who else will step up is the issue. Six other players have scored in double figures during the season, however, no one has did it in back to back games. Sydney Peters and Symantha Shackleford are the likely players to rise to the occasion but, don't be surprised if it is someone else that makes an impact as well.   4. Elizabeth Thibodeau is the most underrated player in the WCAC.   Lizzie is known as a shooter but, she does so much more. She is very tough on the defensive end and she attacks the basket well. She is deceptively fast in transition and of course she hits big shots from deep. Multiple three pointers in games is the expectation in the playoffs.   5. The X-Factors moving forward:   Both Ireton and PVI have players that you don't read about much that are capable of making an impact:   Paul VI Lee Volker, sophomore scored 14 points in the win. Jenna Hayes, freshman scored 31 points in the absence of Owusu at the Title IX.   Bishop Ireton Kennedy Clifton, freshman has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Sole Carroll, scored 9 points in the first McNamara game.   The WCAC playoffs may bring a couple of surprises.