2021 HoopSource Presidents’ Day Showcase: Oregon Triple/ABA

<strong>Final: Oregon Triple 53, ABA 55</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Oregon Triple played another team in the region in that of ABA as they squared off in the Platinum Bracket of the 2021 HoopSource Presidents’ Day Showcase.  The affair started off as a very back and forth affair as the two teams traded baskets back and forth as they were tied at 10 a piece.  This trend continued into the duration of the first half as they were tied at 26 a piece, with a significant showing from [player_tooltip player_id="158491" first="Skye" last="Miller"] - who had 16 points and 9 rebounds in the first half alone.  The Eastern Arizona signee was incredibly aggressive in her merits as a rebounder on the offensive end who could get physical buckets in the paint but also provide as a floor space.  [player_tooltip player_id="158488" first="Liv" last="Knapp"] ended the half with a mid-range jumper where she showed a lot of poise and balance.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">In the second half, ABA began playing well in the transition, as they got good looks in the basket as they sprang to a 37-27 lead.  [player_tooltip player_id="158488" first="Liv" last="Knapp"] would come to life in the second half, as she sank an assortment of three’s and jumpers, finishing with a total of 16 points by the end of the contest.  [player_tooltip player_id="158536" first="Melanie" last="Hiu"] was a defensive stopper who found ways to contribute as a rebounder and facilitator.  Grace Leasure from Oregon City HS showed her ability to rebound and score both in the paint and also stuck a three-pointer.  Taylor Smith and Lily Everson both were superb defenders and rebounders in their own right.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="158491" first="Skye" last="Miller"] made two free throws to keep them within distance and a [player_tooltip player_id="158491" first="Skye" last="Miller"] triple made it 50-54 with about a minute to go.  [player_tooltip player_id="158536" first="Melanie" last="Hiu"] converted a huge and-one to make it 53-54 with 11 seconds on the clock.  After a few fouls and late game management, ABA ended up on the line, sinking a free throw before the clock expired as they ran away with a narrow victory.</span> <strong>Top Performers:</strong> <strong>Grace Leasure 2022 6’0" PG Oregon Triple/Oregon City HS</strong> - Grace is a tall forward who plays with good balance and fluidity for a player of her height and stature.  She is a superb rebounder who is a natural rim protector and is blossoming as a scorer.  Leasure contributed a solid 6 point, 6 rebound effort where she sank one from deep and showed strides as an interior scorer. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158491" first="Skye" last="Miller"] 2021 5’10" SG Oregon Triple/McKay HS</strong> - Skye was on fire in the first half, as she was a ferocious rebounder, particularly on the offensive end where she shows a lot of battle in the paint amongst a crowd.  She had 16 points and 7 rebounds in the first half, setting herself up for a final tally of 23 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block and she continued to show her poise as an all-around threat for Oregon Triple. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158488" first="Liv" last="Knapp"] 2021 5’6" SG Oregon Triple/Liberty HS</strong> - By the end of the first half, Liv found her stride as she had a timely jumper to end the first half where she showed her buoyancy and spring off the dribble.  She continued this trend going into the second half, where she began sinking from deep and finding teammates in scoring position.  Knapp contributed 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal in an invigorating effort. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158536" first="Melanie" last="Hiu"] 2022 5’6" Oregon Triple/Barlow HS</strong> - the defensive guard had the huge play at the end where she brought Oregon Triple within a single point, converting an enormous and-one lay-up - and with poise.  She is constantly helping her team by finding ways to operate as a hustler - on both ends of the floor.  Hiu contributed a 3 point, 4 rebound, 2 assist, effort as an invigorating piece for Triple.