28.5 League Session V: Clutch Cardinal vs. New Mexico Clippers

<strong>Clutch Cardinal 54 - New Mexico Clippers Red 40</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Clutch Cardinal’s final game of the regular season in 28.5 came against New Mexico Clippers Red as they concluded things in the exciting new league in Arizona.  They played a spectacular game as their players were able to showcase their skills all around, bursting to a 20-12 lead that eventually became a 34-21 lead by halftime.  [player_tooltip player_id="158494" first="Molly" last="Block"] was incredible as she had 14 of her 20 points in the first half alone, through three-pointers and high skilled shots around the basket.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="204575" first="Afton" last="Keeney"] was another bright spot, as she showed her ability as a rugged rebounder who has upside in the transition once she grabs the rebound.  [player_tooltip player_id="204582" first="Bridget" last="Winthrop"] was another forward who made a difference as an established defender and adept passer.  Mackenzie Naro and Hannah Rice were both efficient and proficient guards who helped make their teammates on the floor better with their consistent guard play.  Clutch Cardinal eventually cruised to a victory with a 54-40 decisive win over New Mexico Clippers Red, as they look forward to the finale.  </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="204575" first="Afton" last="Keeney"] 2021 6’0" PF Clutch Cardinal/Westview HS</strong> - Keeney is a versatile forward with instincts as a perimeter defender and the ability to make a difference in the transition - as she is fluid and confident as a dribbler and can finish in the fastbreak setting by herself.  She is an aggressive defender who shows great timing on blocking shots and makes plays all over the floor.  Contributed 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="204582" first="Bridget" last="Winthrop"] 2021 6’0" PF Clutch Cardinal/Lincoln HS</strong> - Winthrop had a helping hand everyone as a disciplined and highly skilled forward with a knack for finding open teammates in the high post.  She is a superb interior defender who teamed up with Keeney on the weak side and gathered several blocks.  Winthrop contributed a 4 point, 6 rebound, 4 assist, 3 block effort for Clutch Cardinal.  </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Mackenzie Naro 2021 5’8" SG Clutch Cardinal/Beaverton HS</strong> - Naro sank a three, grabbed boards as well as handed out assists - as a vital cog in the Clutch Cardinal offense as she released pressure off her teammates.  She is a valuable asset to the table - a guard that plays well within the structure of a disciplined offense and doesn’t stray  She contributed 3 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158494" first="Molly" last="Block"] 2021 5’5" PG Clutch Cardinal/Jesuit HS</strong> - Block poured in 14 points in the first half as she scored from alongside the arc as well as inside the paint with agility and wit.  The Jesuit point guard has a first quick step into the paint and has a nice floater that she uses to get over bigger defenders.  She finished with 20 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals, sinking three from five from three-point range.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="207833" first="Emily" last="Rice"] 2021 5’8" SG Clutch Cardinal/Beaverton HS</strong> - Rice showed a lot of skills in the half-court and open court setting, as she had a nice evasive move around the basket in the fast break.  She is a superb guard who is structured in her play, as she made significant strides as a steadfast player who augments team morale.  Rice contributed 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals for Clutch Cardinal.</span>