Team Spotlight: Eastside Catholic Crusaders
Garfield High School traveled to Eastside Catholic in a matchup that would determine the top spot in the Seattle Metro League as we enter the last week of the regular season. Both teams came into the game undefeated, and the…
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Continue ReadingGarfield High School traveled to Eastside Catholic in a matchup that would determine the top spot in the Seattle Metro League as we enter the last week of the regular season. Both teams came into the game undefeated, and the game would remain close until Eastside Catholic blew things open in the third quarter, outscoring Garfield 28 to 7 with a press that forced turnover after turnover. Garfield’s top senior and Cal commit, Dalayah Daniels played limited minutes as she continues to recover from an ankle injury, but the Bulldogs would see solid performances from senior point guard Kareyna Taylor and freshman Naveah Talbert. Talbert kept things close in the first half with an impressive shooting performance and 13 points. Taylor contributed 9 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. The second half belonged to the Crusaders who took Garfield out of their game with a relentless press that led to easy baskets. Eastside Catholic, a team with no seniors or juniors on their roster, started four freshmen and a sophomore in this game. Here’s a look at some of the young talent that the Crusaders have to offer.
Mjracle Sheppard | 5’8″ G | 2023
There is a lot to like about Sheppard’s game. She’s a gifted athlete and a two-way player with a competitive drive that sets her apart from most of her opponents. She was impressive on offense, giving her team 14 points in the victory, but her defense stood out even more. Mjracle would rack up 6 steals and was one of the focal points in Eastside’s successful press. I mentioned that Dalayah Daniels wasn’t on the floor much, but when she was, Sheppard spent some time defending her, and the freshman guard was able to bully the 6’4″ senior, making entry passes difficult for the Bulldogs, and collecting steals with her strength and agility. Mjracle also used her athleticism to add seven rebounds for the Crusaders.
Malia Samuels | 5’7″ PG | 2023
Eastside Catholic’s point guard, Malia Samuels, would lead her team with 19 points – 15 of which came in the Crusaders’ dominant second-half performance. Samuels was able to be most successful by creating her own shots and getting to the basket, and she also added her fair share of rebounds, assists, and steals to help the Crusaders control the game. She has outstanding lateral quickness and seems to stay one step ahead of defenders’ attempts to steal her dribble. Garfield may have had a case for their complaints about Samuels’ palming the ball, but the fact remains that she was a reliable ball-handler who did a great job limiting turnovers for the Crusaders.
Zahirah Walton | 5’11” F | 2022
The lone sophomore in the starting lineup was a handful for the Bulldogs to control in the paint, and they never did find a way to keep her off the glass as she grabbed 7 rebounds, many of which were on the offensive end and immediately followed by lay-ups under the basket. In one memorable play, Walton brought the ball up the length of the court and lost her defender with a Euro-step that nearly brought the house down, and although she wasn’t able to convert the basket, she grabbed her own rebound and got the put-back. Walton is listed at 5’11”, but she plays much larger, using her length to deflect passes and grab rebounds over taller opponents. Eastside actually lists Walton as a guard/forward/wing which is a telling indicator of her versatility.
Imbie Jones | 6’1″ F | 2023
The Crusaders’ tallest player at 6’1″, Imbie Jones provided her squad with a defensive presence in the lane, and reliable scoring on the offensive end of the court. Jones had an efficient 14 points in the victory and would add a block and several rebounds. Jones is a reliable target in the interior who can score with both hands but tends to favor her left. She can also be effective in the pick and roll, and she has a confident post game with good footwork and a quick jump that puts defenders at a huge disadvantage against the forward/center.
Isabel Sullivan | 5’8″ G | 2023
Isabel Sullivan was an athlete that stood out to me in warmups with her effortless finishing abilities, but it’s her three-point shooting that is likely the strongest part of her game. The lefty only knocked down one three in this game, but her touch from deep has been on display in previous games this season. Sullivan is also a great ball-handler who can take defenders off the dribble. Her athleticism allows her to be very effective on the defensive end of the court where she continued to influence passes and collect steals by anticipating the opponent’s decisions.