WIAA State Tourney Round 1: Woodinville vs. Sunnyside (5 Takeaways)

The final game of day one was between the 4A's (1) Woodinville and (9) Sunnyside. Woodinville came into the game at 23-2, while Sunnyside was 21-2. This game was the most cleanly played basketball game of the day with both teams comfortable executing in the half court and playing solid man to man defense. Woodinville would go on to hit the game winning shot, sealing their win. 5 Takeaways:  1) 2019 5'8 PG Ashlee Maldanado was OUTSTANDING I was more impresed with Ashlee's performance than anyone's I had seen all day. She ran the point for the Grizzlies effectively, while balancing her lethal scoring attack. On the defensive side of the ball, she guarded Woodinville's 5'10 center and leading scorer and did a very good job keeping her off the glass. The Santa Clara signee scored 32 points to finish off her high school career. 2) Freshman Veronica Sheffey proved her stock on the big stage Just in the class of 2022, the lefty guard was impressive once again in this big game. She was all over the floor, posting up smaller guards and driving strong to her left. She has already been on our radar, but the fact that she kept up her solid play on the biggest stage is not something you see from too many freshman. When it came down to the winning play, Coach Bullock drew up the game winning shot for her and she converted, giving Woodinville the victory. 3) 2019 5'8 PG Madison Dubois is a super floor general  The Seattle U signee was one of the most calming and vocal point guards of the day. She keeps Woodinville under control during times of chaos or mishaps. She ran the offense well for Woodinville and makes sure that everyone gets their touches throughout the course of the game. 4) Sunnyside is the Maldanado show, but... The Grizzlies have a team where every player knows and plays their role. They all rebound, run the floor hard and compete every possession. 2020 5'5 G Kameran Rodriguez made some big shots for Sunnyside. 2019 5'10 F Brielle Newhouse battled inside and provided some physicality and rebounding inside. 5) Overall, this was simply a great basketball game! Much respect to the coaches. Rick Puente had Sunnyside ready to play! Coach Scott Bullock's sideline out of bounds play to win the game was a thing of beauty. The point guard play between Dubois for Woodinville and Maldanado for Sunnyside was high level. All of the role players played hard and competed from start to finish. A great way to end a long day of basketball! Woodinville plays Kentridge at 9pm tomorrow.