10 Takeaways from Butler v. S. Meck - 11/26/19

Butler was attempting to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Mallard Creek when they visited the undefeated Sabres of South Mecklenburg (2-0) in Pineville on Tuesday. The final score was 47-42, but that doesn't tell the whole story. These are 10 takeaways from this highly competitive battle: <ol> <li>The 3 point shot has truly revolutionized all levels of basketball. This game was a tale of two halves. In the first half, Butler couldn't buy a 3 pointer and they trailed 21-15. They looked disinterested and unorganized. Fast forward to the 3rd quarter: in the first two minutes of the third quarter, Butler hit 3 straight money shots (2 by 5'9" Sr. Wing Michala Funderburke and another by 5'5" SR. G Ashlynn Dotson) and they were off and running. The defensive effort increased, the ball movement improved and the overall energy of the team ramped up. Butler ended up hitting 7 or 8 threes in the second half and South Mecklenburg couldn't keep up.</li> <li>It was good to see Ashlynn Dotson back in the starting lineup for Butler and making big-time contributions. The 5'5" senior G started despite the fact that she exited the Mallard Creek game in the first half with what appeared to be a scary foot injury. Tonight, she hit the only successful 3 in the first half for Butler, 2 other 3s in the 2nd half and made 3 of 4 crucial foul shots down the stretch to salt away the victory. Her senior leadership and solid play were instrumental in the Bulldogs victory.</li> <li>Mary Catherine Brown of South did one of the hardest things to do in basketball. Watching the majority of the game, the 5'4" Sr. G came off the bench cold after Shakyra Harley was injured driving to the hoop and hit a huge 3 that cut Butler's lead to 44-42 with 20 seconds left. Clutch shot Mary Catherine! Way to go.</li> <li>Speaking of Shakyra Harley ......, she and Senali Moss form a nice backcourt duo for Coach Cristie Mitchell and the Sabres. Harley, a 5'6" Senior SG and Moss, a 5'7" sophomore PG are quality players and will be barometers of the South season moving forward. Moss is a solid ball handler and distance shooter. She also possesses the ability to finish at the rim and is a willing rebounder. This youngster has a bright future. Harley provides a steadying influence on the South squad and has a knack for inviting contact and getting to the line. South's chances were dealt a fatal blow when she was helped off with 20 seconds left after sustaining a leg injury. Hopefully, it is only a temporary issue and she won't be out for an extended period of time.</li> <li>Jaclyn Felt is a work in progress but has a lot of potential. The 6'3" senior Center's stat line for this game was relatively pedestrian (5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks), however, she showed great instincts, good feet and tremendous stamina - she didn't come out the game until there were less than four minutes to go. If she can develop a little more lower body strength so that she can hold her position in the post, she will be a formidable prep player and will have a chance to play and contribute for someone at the next level.</li> <li>If Butler is to duplicate last season's success, they need to get Michaela Lane more involved in the offense. The first half for Butler was ugly. One pass, 3 point shot, 2 passes 3 point shot, 2 passes turnover. Not surprisingly, Butler trailed because they were ice cold from three. Also, not surprisingly, the 6'1" F/C Senior was frustrated by her lack of touches. The 17 points and 13 rebounds she registered were mostly on offensive rebounds or scramble situations. She found herself having to come out of the post and get on the perimeter just to touch the ball. She is their most efficient and effective player and Butler needs to play inside out and those contested, rushed threes will become easier and less contested.</li> <li>Butler's lack of depth will likely be a huge factor at some point this season. The Bulldogs have only 9 girls on the roster. Their starting unit is strong and 6th woman, Michaela Funderburk, is as smooth and efficient a player as you could hope for to come off the bench (10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists). Yet, as was the case against Mallard Creek when PG Ashlynn Dotson went down, any foul trouble or other type of attrition will greatly diminish the Butler hopes for victory. It is imperative that Coach Mark Sanders develop 5'10" freshman F Cheyla Scott, 5'8" senior G Noura Aboutaleb and 6'1" junior C Mekiya Lane.</li> <li>5'2" G Jada Tate ain't Scaaaaared! This young lady has the memory of an NFL cornerback. I have seen her play two bad first halves where she couldn't hit her signature three, including multiple airballs. Yet, to her credit, in the second halves against both Mallard Creek and South Mecklenburg, she hit huge threes at the most opportune time. Just when you start wondering why she is getting quality minutes, she makes a big play that turns the tide in the Bulldogs favor.</li> <li>Eveleen Miller, a 6'1" junior F/C , came in for the first time at 3:15 mark of the 4th quarter and made an immediate impact for the Sabres. Coach Mitchell would do well to try to get this lady some more meaningful minutes as the season goes on. .</li> <li>Coach Cristie Mitchell of South Mecklenburg must have 28 hours in her day because somehow she found a way to get her squad ready while at the same time planning and organizing this weekend's huge Charlotte Hoops Challenge. Now in its 10th year, this has quickly become one of the premier holiday tournaments in the region. This weekend South Mecklenburg, Providence, Providence Day, Victory Christian, Central Cabarrus, Davidson Day, Vance, Hopewell, Butler, Ardrey Kell, Cannon, Myers Park, and Cuthbertson will battle it out for supremacy at Myers Park High School. It will be an opportunity to see a lot of great players showcase their skills against good competition. I hope to see everyone out there and wish you all a great holiday weekend.</li> </ol>