10 Best: Morton vs. Sycamore

Saturday night I started my Holiday break down-state with a trip to Morton to watch the defending 3A State Champs take on a talented Sycamore squad with a few high-level players. Morton opened a good lead to start the game, but a Sycamore run forced Morton to take a timeout with 2:06 left in the opening quarter. The Lady Potters went on a 10-0 run to end the quarter and outscored Sycamore 19-7 in the second to take a 23-point lead at half, and it was all Morton from there. Morton won the game 76-54 with several notable performances from both teams. Here are the 10 best: <strong>MVP – Peyton Dearing </strong> A 5’4” Senior Guard, Dearing does it all, and it typically starts on the defensive end. Her elite on-ball defense frustrates opposing ball handlers and often results in takeaways. She gets the ball out in transition and can find open teammates or take the ball to the hoop with speed and control. Dearing finished with 11 points and a handful of assists and steals. <strong>Play(s) of the game – Morton end of 1^st quarter run</strong> Not just one play was the difference in this game, but the run Morton went on at the end of the 1^st Quarter and beginning of the 2^nd was the key. 5’5” Senior Shooting Guard Maddy Becker was scoreless until late in the 1^st but hit on three three-pointers in a row to spark the Lady Potters and put the game away early. <strong>Best offensive performance – Maddy Becker</strong> Speaking of Maddy Becker, she undoubtedly had the best offensive performance of the night. Not only did she spark the run that led to the dominating win, but she continued to produce throughout the game. Becker hit on a couple more three, but she was also able to convert in the lane and knock down free throws when given the chance. She finished with a game-high 21 points. <strong>Best defensive performance – <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lindsey-dullard/">Lindsey Dullard</a></strong> The biggest key for the Morton defense was to try to contain Sycamore All-Stater and Iowa State commit <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kylie-feuerbach/">Kylie Feuerbach</a>. Feuerbach was held to 13 points, which was a big victory for Dullard and Co. The 6’1” Senior has the length and athleticism to guard any position at this level and was a big contributor in making things tough for Feuerbach throughout the game. <strong>Best under-the-radar performance (stock riser, name you should know) – Ella Shipley</strong> I had not seen Shipley play prior to this game, and I came away very impressed. A 5’7” Sophomore Guard, she consistently shot the ball well from deep, while also being able to get some buckets at the rim. She has a high motor and is a willing rebounder and led Sycamore with 17 points for the game. <strong>Best girl off the bench – Raquel Frakes</strong> The Lady Potters have so many contributing players on both ends, and Frakes definitely stood out on Saturday. The 5’9” Junior, by my count, finished with six points and six rebounds, all of which were impressive. Even with taller teammates and opponents, its rare to find someone on the court who out-works or out-hustles Frakes. <strong>Hardest Player to Guard – <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kylie-feuerbach/">Kylie Feuerbach</a> </strong> Perhaps the highest-rated prospect in the game, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kylie-feuerbach/">Kylie Feuerbach</a> is a do-it-all guard who is a constant threat to take over the game. Her shiftiness and ability to get in the lane is tough for one defender to stop. She’s a high IQ playmaker that can score inside and out and causes havoc throughout the game on the defensive end. Kylie finished with 13 points for the game. <strong>Best intangibles (dove on floor, communicated, took charges, etc.) – <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-jones/">Courtney Jones</a></strong> I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/courtney-jones/">Courtney Jones</a> is the type of player every coach wants on his/her team. The ICC commit is a terrific leader on the floor and makes the hustle plays that not everyone is willing to make. Jones’ high basketball IQ and ability to consistently play within herself at a high level make her such a fun player to watch. <strong>Best underclassmen (Freshmen or Sophomore only) – <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-krupa/">Katie Krupa</a></strong> Krupa is a high-level 6’2” Sophomore Forward, who provides Morton with scoring and defense both on the perimeter and in the lane. She is a smooth ball handler with quick footwork and a great set of post skills in the paint. Defensively she can guard nearly any opponent and used her size and athleticism well throughout the game. Krupa finished with 10 points and a handful of assists and rebounds. <strong>Best Catch and Shoot girl – <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/faith-feuerbach/">Faith Feuerbach</a> </strong> Sycamore standout Sophomore <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/faith-feuerbach/">Faith Feuerbach</a> impressed Saturday, connecting on five three-pointers. The 6’1” Guard has a consistent, high-arching shot that finds the bottom of the net often. She can handle the ball and score inside at times, but as of now her strength resides beyond the three-point line.  Faith finished with 15 points on the night. &nbsp;