SW D2 District Finals- key points
The annual trip to Mason is always exciting as the Division Two district finals was held on Friday night,. Valley View survived Indian Hill, Roger Bacon defeated Tippecanoe and Carroll cruised past Trotwood Madison. Here are some things I took…
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Continue ReadingThe annual trip to Mason is always exciting as the Division Two district finals was held on Friday night,. Valley View survived Indian Hill, Roger Bacon defeated Tippecanoe and Carroll cruised past Trotwood Madison.
Here are some things I took away from the evening in Mason:
Too much pressure was the difference
Trotwood Madison was making their first trip to the districts in many years, and fans were wondering if their pressure would be too much for the veteran Carroll Patriots. The Pats are the defending state runnerup and return four starters. Turns out, it was the opposite. Carroll pushed the ball and scored at will in the opening half of their district championship game against Trotwood, jumping out to a huge lead and never looking back. Julia Keller (6-0 unsigned senior) was too much in the paint and the guards were strong up top. Sophomore Sarah Ochs (5-6 guard) has shown a lot of improvement this season, and shooting guard Megan Leraas (5-8 junior) is a major weapon from anywhere beyond the arc.
Sheppard steps up
She is one of the most sought after juniors in Ohio, and Kylee Sheppard showed everyone why. The guard who has made several Division One visits, put on a show with her athleticism, great handles and incredible body control to lead Roger Bacon to the win over Tippecanoe. Outstanding perimeter shooter, can score at the rim and creates on offense. Solid defender who can score in transition.
Super Sophomore on the rise
What a great year for Valley View sophomore Claire Henson, (5-9 guard) who is fortunate to play with some very talented upperclassmen. Henson is one of the fastest rising sophomores in Ohio, has solid handles and great court vision. Can create and score at the rim, and is a smart player as a leader. Look for her game to continue to improve as coaches have already started taking notice of her.
King of the Hill
With the upcoming of graduation of star senior guard Maddie Antenucci, expect the torch at Indian Hill to be passed to sophomore guard Ella Riggs. She is a taller guard with good handles, moves well without the ball and can score in transition. Good on-ball defender and should take over as the leader for the Braves next season. Can score around the basket and has nice range. Will be joined by another sophomore Annie Isphording who has a bright future in the game also.
Tip of the mountain
Tippecanoe fell short, but will have two solid prospects returning next season. Ashleigh Mader (5-8 jr guard) saved her best game of the season for the district finals. She moves well on the perimeter, can launch the three from any angle beyond the arc. Good midrange shot. Solid handles and runs the floor well on the break. Katie Hemmelgarn (6-3 jr post) has a nice smooth touch out to 10-feet, shoots high above the defense. Does have some range occasionally to shoot from the arc. Good rebounder, positions herself well for the good shot,.