Five Day 1 Takeaways From The SJIBT Elite Eight Weekend
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Last weekend, the Final Four of The South Jersey Invitational Basketball Tournament was settled and there was some fantastic basketball played over the two-day event. Here are five takeaways that we had from Day 1 of The SJIBT and a…
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Continue ReadingLast weekend, the Final Four of The South Jersey Invitational Basketball Tournament was settled and there was some fantastic basketball played over the two-day event. Here are five takeaways that we had from Day 1 of The SJIBT and a big congrats to the four teams who advanced onward.
1. Alexa Henry, if she hasn’t already proven it, is the real deal for Lenape
We saw the impact that losing one player can have on Clearview as its best defensive player, Sophia Lutz, left this quarterfinal game against Lenape early. However, not even Lutz and her stellar defense could have locked up the absolute monster performance that Henry put on, scoring a career-high 30 points while attacking the rim with a level of ferocity we haven’t seen of her this season. She made Clearview pay on the defensive end and got to the line quite a lot. Not only that, but she knocked down her free throws and put this game well out of hand for the Pride to get back into.
2. Cherokee’s defense is just overwhelming
We had a battle of two elite teams in this quarterfinal between an established power in Cherokee and an upstart program having a dominant season in Haddon Heights. Quickly, we saw that the established team had the upper hand as head coach Ron Powell knows how to put together some insane defensive schemes. Haddon Heights was held to a season-low 20 points and Madison Clark was held below double-digit scoring for just the third time this season. The gutsy wins are the most important wins and once again, the Chiefs have secured itself a spot in the Final Four of The SJIBT.
3. Lenape has found its stride this season in a big way
The Lady Indians made program history on Saturday by advancing to its first-ever Final Four in the 14-year history of the SJIBT and did so in dominant style. Lenape scored a season-high 78 points in the win, the most points the program has scored in a game since Feb. 25, 2019. This team has been a high-scoring team compared to Lenape teams of the past and their 15-5 record is one of the best starts in recent memory. All is going right for the Lady Indians and they are for sure a big time competitor in South Jersey.
4. Emma Peretti Emma Peretti 5'11" | PF Hammonton | 2023 State NJ shows out for Hammonton once again
When looking at the top forwards in the state, there’s no question Peretti has thrusted herself into the competition, especially after Saturday’s performance against Seneca. Peretti recorded her 15th double-double of the season and fifth 20+ point, 15+ rebound double-double in a 47-39 win over Seneca. To say she’s been anything but spectacular would be understating the sheer amount of success Peretti has had this season. Through 17 games, the forward is averaging 19.6 PPG and 15.3 RPG for Hammonton, who is 10-7 overall.
5. Haddon Township bounced back with a solid win over Holy Cross
In its last six games, the Hawks are 3-3 and have scuffled after an 11-1 start to the season. Things looked to stabilize after a 15-point win over Holy Cross. Seven players got in the scoring column, as Sara Wiedeman led all scorers with 10 points in the win. Kayleigh Armstrong Kayleigh Armstrong 5'7" | PG Haddon Township | 2022 State NJ also had a very strong game for the Hawks, with nine points. The two combined for well over half of Haddon Township’s scoring, but the duo is more than capable of carrying this team for the rest of the season. Watch out because despite the recent struggles, Haddon Township is still a team to beat.