Five Takeaways: Francis Howell Central vs. Hazelwood Central
Prep Girls Hoops Missouri was at St. Louis U. High over the weekend to take in the action between Francis Howell Central and Hazelwood Central in the opening game of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Classic. Howell Central puts…
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Continue ReadingPrep Girls Hoops Missouri was at St. Louis U. High over the weekend to take in the action between Francis Howell Central and Hazelwood Central in the opening game of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Classic. Howell Central puts its undefeated record on the line against a athletic and dangerous Hazelwood Central team that has played against a very tough schedule. In a game that featured several swings of momentum, Howell Central defeated Hazelwood Central 57-43 to remain undefeated on the season.
Here are five takeaways from the Howell Central-Hazelwood Central game.
Francis Howell Central can really pass the basketball
One of the most appealing aspects of Howell Central’s team is their unselfish play and willingness to pass the ball to each other. The Spartans do a great job of making the extra pass or giving up a good shot for an even better shot. Whether it is executing a high-low set, whipping the ball around the perimeter or throwing the ball ahead on the fast break, the ball rarely sticks. It all starts with having an excellent point guard in 5’8″ 2021 Gracie Stugart, who really sets the tone with her floor generalship. The good passing resulted in the Spartans shooting 57 percent from the field and four players scoring in double figures. Guard Azaria Hulbert finished with 14 points, followed by guard Makayla Best and Stugart with 12 points and junior forward Sofia Tweedie with 10 points. Sophomore forward Trinniti Matthews can also deliver some nice dimes from the high post.
Hazelwood Central’s speed is a problem
When the Hawks embarked on its 15-4 run in the third quarter to cut Howell Central’s lead to one point, it was their speed and quickness on the defensive end that sparked the rally. They forced the tempo with the pressure of guards Nariyah Simmons, Sydney Dukes and Tristan Stith. The 5’2″ Simmons was especially effective with the ball-hawking as she registered seven steals while sparking the rally. She seemed to be all over the court harassing Howell Central ball handlers.
Howell Central proved a lot with the victory
The Spartans have been rolling along this season with a 15-0 record and three tournament championships, but the victory over a talented Hazelwood Central team may have been their biggest of the season. It was Hazelwood Central that ended Howell Central’s season last year with a double-digit victory in the Class 5, District 7 championship game. Several players return from both teams were on the court from that game. Howell Central was able to increase their level of play against the Hawks to gain a measure of revenge.
Hazelwood Central has a talented inside tandem
The Hawks have an impressive inside duo in 5’10” 2020 forward Jakayla Kirk and 5’11” 2021 forward J’Lessa Jordan. The two athletic forwards compliment each other with their different skill sets. Kirk is an offensive force in the paint as the Hawks leading scorer at 15 points a game. She is a physical performer who can score in the paint or from the high post with some solid takes off the dribble. Jordan is a long, athletic player who excels on the defensive end. Her length comes in handy as a shot blocker, where she averages nearly three swats a game. She is an active rebounder who also can run the court well.
Azaria Hulbert plays much bigger than her height
The 5’6″ 2020 guard is a unique offensive player in that she can really get buckets in the paint on a regular basis despite not being very tall. She scores on solid takes from the perimeter or she will set up in the high post and maneuver her way in the lane amongst the taller defenders to score and draw fouls. She also happens to be a 44 percent shooter from 3-point range to she has the perimeter skills as well. She has already signed with Division II University of Missouri-St. Louis.