City Section Open Division Title Game Players to Watch
The City Section Open Division championship game is set between Palisades and Hamilton. Both teams are Western League rivals and it should be a great game. Palisades knocked off the reigning Open Division champs, Granada Hills, to reach the finals,…
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Continue ReadingThe City Section Open Division championship game is set between Palisades and Hamilton. Both teams are Western League rivals and it should be a great game. Palisades knocked off the reigning Open Division champs, Granada Hills, to reach the finals, while Hamilton rolled over El Camino Real to reach the title game.
Both rosters have plenty of talent, and here’s a look at some of the players to watch out for in the title game.
1. Jane Nwaba – Palisades 2020
Nwaba is the anchor in the middle for the Dolphins, she missed some games early on, but she’s back and looking to help Palisades take the Open crown. She is committed to Pepperdine and will tough for Hamilton to stop. Defensively, she is a real anchor with good timing on blocking shots. Contests everything near the rim. Boxes out well and secures rebounds on both ends. She runs the floor well and can finish strong at the rim.
2. Kennedee Rankin – Hamilton 2020
Rankin is a versatile player who can play either guard or forward. She can take advantage of smaller players in the post. She has great footwork in the paint and a nice little hook shot. She’s tough to stop going downhill and she’s very strong. She can finish with contact and she can get herself to the free-throw line. Good player on the break who can push the ball and go coast to coast to the rim.
3. Sammie Arnold – Palisades 2021
Arnold is the do-it-all glue player for the Dolphins. Whatever is needed from her on the court, she’s able to do. If she’s called upon to score, she can spot up from behind the arc where she’s a solid three-point shooter. She can also fight for offensive rebounds and finish over smaller guards. She’s not afraid to dig-in defensively on the wing or to dive on the floor for loose balls. Good leader and smart player.
4. Sherisse Chensam – Hamilton 2021
Chensam’s main contributions on the court for the Yankees come on the defensive end. They’re going to need that to try and counter Palisades strong wing players. She’s a long a mobile defender on the perimeter. She plays solid denial defense off the ball and is quick enough to stick with her opponent. Offensively, she is constantly in motion and can spot up from three. Runs the break well and fills in the lanes.
5. Alexis Pettis – Palisades 2021
Pettis is an explosive scorer and solid guard. She is instant offense and can score in a hurry. Her strong suit is her ability to get to the rim. She’s got a strong first step and gets into the lane quickly. She finishes strong at the rim and she can absorb contact and get to the free-throw line. She’s also capable of being the Dolphins primary ball-handler and facilitator, running the offense and finding open teammates.