Top 5 in the Final Four: Best Performances in VT Semifinals
Hoop fans across VT witnessed some fantastic semifinal games on Monday night. A talented young Rice team pushed through senior heavy Essex to return to the finals once again, and late game heroics from MMU put them over the edge,…
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Continue ReadingHoop fans across VT witnessed some fantastic semifinal games on Monday night. A talented young Rice team pushed through senior heavy Essex to return to the finals once again, and late game heroics from MMU put them over the edge, securing MMU’s first D1 Finals appearance. Which hoopers showed out, pushing their team into the final game?
1. Jada Diamond, 5’6 PG – MMU Class of ’22
Diamond was up to her usual antics for much of the game. Defensively she was locked in, making life incredibly difficult for CVU’s guards to move the ball as she denied passes with intense off-ball pressure. As the game came towards a close, Diamond stepped up big time. She drained a do-or-die three with six seconds left to send the game into overtime. And as overtime came to a close, Diamond drained yet another clutch three to win the game in the last 10 seconds. It was a low scoring affair, 28-25, and Diamond’s cunning and self-confidence catapulted MMU into the finals.
2. Elyse MacDonough, 5’8 PG – RMHS Class of ’24
MacDonough is the type of player you want on your team if you’re facing the Monstars, plain and simple. She has the clutch gene, an undeniable knack for making big plays. While the Rice – Essex matchup wasn’t as close of a contest, Elyse had numerous plays that deflated #4 Essex. It was 22-20 at the break, EHS had the advantage, but Elyse came out with a vengeance. She struck a three on Rice’s first possession, set up Beste for one of her own, and then sunk another. They jumped out with a 13-3 run and never looked back. Elyse put in 18 points had 3 assists in a near 32-minute performance. She clawed against EHS senior PG and top scorer Paige Winter, making her work for everything. MacDonough has a great sense of tempo and never seems out of control, even on the big stage. I look forward to seeing the sophomore in Saturday’s final against MMU.
3. Atika Haji, 5’10 F – RMHS Class of ’25
Atika had an uber-efficient 10 points, all coming off of nice drives from the wing where she hop-stepped into the lane and went up strong. She dropped in a quick six points in the first quarter, showing little to no hesitancy on the big stage as a freshman. Haji is a tough cover; she’s 5’10 with great length, strength and athleticism, and she also has the ability to stick a 10-footer. Her defense is lockdown, and she can rebound with anybody. Atika is an exciting prospect who will be a key player in Saturday’s contest.
4. Allison Fullem, 5’11 F – MMU Class of ’23
Fullem was rock-solid all night for MMU. Allison held the paint down, protecting the basket with numerous blocks, cleaning the glass, and fighting for loose balls. Her motor went unmatched as she secured various possessions for MMU that they really didn’t have any business securing. Fullem contributed in ways that don’t show up in the box score too, as she made great help reads, communicated on defense and moved the ball seamlessly. Fullem is another x-factor going into Saturday.
5. Cassie Beste, 5’6 G – RMHS Class of ’24
Young Cassie is consistent, you always know what you’re going to get from this sophomore star. She’s got buckets in the way of dribble drives going to either hand or three-balls off the dribble or the catch. Moreover, she’s a great glue player, and she tightens the screws on Rice’s offense with crisp passing and off-ball movement. Beste is also a pesky defender and can clean the glass quite well for her size; the reason for that is because she has a great basketball IQ. Her instincts are on-point and it’s clear there are times where she sees the play before it unfolds. A solid Beste performance is integral to Rice’s championship blueprint.