Gwynn Park vs Largo: Literally Night and Day As Stars Shine
Gwynn Park came into the game undefeated in league play while Largo just got tossed by 50 points days earlier by Oxon Hill (whom Gwynn Park beat). This game had the potential to get ugly early. The Yellow Jacket pressured…
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Continue ReadingGwynn Park came into the game undefeated in league play while Largo just got tossed by 50 points days earlier by Oxon Hill (whom Gwynn Park beat). This game had the potential to get ugly early. The Yellow Jacket pressured the ball in route to a 22-10 first quarter lead. By halftime Gwynn Park’s lead was 41-27 and the results seemed like a foregone conclusion. The strange thing that I noticed was that one end of the floor was much darker than the other. Upon further inspection, the far court (Gwynn Park bench) had four lights out. The second half was a complete 180 degree turn as the Lion’s played on the lighted side of the court, their shots began to fall and consequently, the Yellow Jackets had problems hitting shots. Largo began to cut into the lead in the second half chopping down a sixteen point lead to four with 3 minutes left to play. In the end Gwynn Park had too much fire power and time wasn’t on Largo’s side as they put the Jackets on the line multiple times to extend the lead for a final score 71-58 that was actually a closer game than the score would dictate.
What Did We Learn From The Game:
1) Gwynn Park must get those light bulbs replaced by playoffs. The will have the home court advantage through the playoffs but, playing the second half of games in the dark can come back to bite them.
2) Denai Bowman should get first team All-Met considerations. The senior dropped 30 points to go along with 8 boards and 6 assists. She showed of a killer mid range game and showed the ability to hit from beyond the arc. She was more efficient as the entire team was in the first half with the light but, she still was able the 13 points in the second half with 7 of those points in clutch time.
Denai Bowman3) Janae Dublin is a top 5 DMV post. Janae is moving into the elite status. Her double-double with 29 points and 18 boards are starting to become the norm for her. She finishes well by the basket and can attack well from the high post and wing. She can also knock down shots out to the three.
Janae Dublin4) Jacqueline Dianis brings value. Dianis is a threat from three and when she is on the floor it’s hard to double other players as you risk leaving her open. The Lions made the mistake once in the first half but, kept someone near her afterwards opening up the floor. The opened the game with a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
Jaqueline Dianis5) Vanessa Schwarzmann can light it up. Vanessa scored 17 of her team high 20 points in the second half as the Lions took the lighted basket. She almost brought her team back single-handedly playing through an ankle she tweaked earlier in the game. She showed the ability to create her own shot as well as attacking the basket.
Vanessa Schwarzmann6) Billie Johnson has division one potential. She made plays during a second and third quarter stretch scoring 10 points in the run and she had a good game on the boards. She struggled from the line going 0-6 but, each shot had a chance to go in just rimming out.
Billie Wilson7) Kayla Watkins-Harvey is tough in the paint. Kayla scored 14 points (10 in the second half) and showed a variety of different moves to get her shot off. She has been consistent this season with seven double figure games. As the playoffs draw closer the senior will need to keep up the effort so that her career doesn’t end prematurely.
Kayla Watkins-Harvey