Six Reasons Castlewood Swatted Madison Away 60-41
On Saturday, the Michael Entringer Scholarship Classic had several challenging matchups, Some were hard fought, or were won with last minute heroics, or embraced Class A/B bragging rights. The Madison Bulldogs were second in 2018 Class A, the same year…
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Continue ReadingOn Saturday, the Michael Entringer Scholarship Classic had several challenging matchups, Some were hard fought, or were won with last minute heroics, or embraced Class A/B bragging rights. The Madison Bulldogs were second in 2018 Class A, the same year that Castlewood’s Warriors won Class B. Castlewood just re-loads year-to-year; here are six reasons for this victory.
The number one reason is 2021 Alayna Benike, a legit POY candidate. Benike scored (27-pts), rebounded (12), assisted (6), stole, and defended – at levels above and beyond most HS hoopsters. Benike reminds of D-1 players like Ciara Duffy, Macy Miller; and Sara Scalia; an exciting collegian-to-be that you’re willing to pay to watch. Only one other SD 2021 pleases fans regularily with OMG moments – Haleigh Timmer of STM.
Reasons 2-to-5 are the other starters which collectively prove that a team can be greater than the sum of the parts. Dynamic team play is reason #6 !!!
SIx-foot junior Darah DeKam (13-pts) was often the classic post: getting to the block and keeping defenders sealed away on ball reverses. Always, DeKam gets boards, her length tipping balls, and her handles starting fast-break attacks. She has quick instinctive habits, but is re-learning after last year’s injury and lost season. Senior Cala Hunter would be featured on most squads; on the Warriors, she stabilizes the sets, anticipates, and influences play at both ends. Senior Sierra Schofield, with freshmen Maddie Horn & Mackenzie Everson (17-pts), differ only in height, giving all-out energy to support “the pixie dust” of team chemistry.
Benike Hits DeKam Cutting Across Lane At Entringer ClassicThe 2018 State ‘B’ Champs inspired another generation of gym rats; they remain PGH’s leader as 2020 ‘B’ winner. Current roster count of 15 breaks down: 4x8th graders, 6x9th graders, one sophomore, and 2 each in the junior & senior classes. PGH projects at least 5 to play college ball.And the years ahead look promising, too.
Potential weaknesses include a shallow rotation, using zones versus man-to-man, and stamina. Hands on hips & knees were frequently observed. Three games in three days at altitude in Spearfish might prove too much ??
Madison has good height and speed; scoring was led by15 -pts from Kendra Leighton and 10-pts from Morgan Anderson. Lexie Roeman impressed with floor IQ and quickness. The Bulldogs are vulnerable due to few ball handlers, recognition, and passing, all leading to turnovers and empty possessions.
Articles in the works will detail the Garretson win over Estelline/Hendichs and the surprise Colman/Egan triumph over Sioux Valley.