Perry/Xavier Notes

Cedric Cobb January 26, 2023 @ 03:59 PM

On Saturday January 21, 2023 the Lady Pumas of Perry traveled to Central Phoenix to take on the Xavier College Prep Gators in a matchup of the top two teams in the 6A Premier Region.   Xavier set the tone early with their defensive pressure. After the first quarter Xavier had a 15-9 lead. The second quarter was back and forth with both teams having runs of their own. Perry started it with a 6-0 run to tie it up at 15 and then Xavier followed it up with a 7-0 run of their own. Going into the half the Gators held a 31-28 lead over the Lady Pumas.   The third quarter was back and forth with Xavier still holding a slight lead 47-43 heading into the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter saw Perry turn up the pressure defensively which led to multiple turnovers. The defensive effort sparked a 9-2 run as Perry took the lead 52-49 with a little over four minutes left in the game. Xavier was able to get within a possession a couple of times in the last few minutes but Perry pulled out the victory 61-53.   Here we take a look at some of the standout players from the game. [player_tooltip player_id='138098' first='Khamil' last='Pierre'] Perry   The Vandy commit glided up and down the court effortlessly. She let the game come to her and when it was needed she took over. Pierre hit key buckets down the stretch that kept Xavier from coming back. She's a surefire Arizona POY candidate. [player_tooltip player_id='550689' first='Lauren' last='Crocker'] Perry   The senior forward ran the floor very well and knows how to use her body in the post. She seals the defender very well and keeps the ball high. She rebounded at a high level and continuously looked for her cutting teammates. [player_tooltip player_id='205638' first='Dominique' last='Nesland'] Xavier Prep   Nesland is a well built lead guard and used this to her advantage on both sides of the ball. On offense she used her body to shield off defenders whether to get passes or shots off. On defense she used her stronger build to grab rebounds from her guard position. [player_tooltip player_id='115507' first='Sienna' last='Cherwinski'] Xavier Prep   The senior led the way out the gate for the Gators as she was very aggressive on offense. She continuously attacked Perry's defense with beautiful hesitation dribbles. Her release from the perimeter is very quick therefore set up her to go by the defender. When she got by her opponent she showed to be a willing passer. [player_tooltip player_id='589954' first='Sage' last='Henry'] Perry   The smooth freshman was very good in a supporting role. Henry showed poise and composure. She's athletic and a very good passer. She's a player that more people will know in the near future as she is very skilled. [player_tooltip player_id='588731' first='Irene' last='Noelle Guiamatsia'] Xavier Prep   Irene more than held her own against the upperclassmen of Perry. She battled in the paint and did a very good job rebounding. On defense she blocked multiple shots and was a major force. One of the top freshmen in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='589986' first='Isabella' last='Ivy'] Perry   Ivy led the way in the defensive effort that helped the Pumas come back and win. Her on the ball defense gave Xavier fits in the final quarter. She also hit a big 3 that helped Perry get the lead for good. [player_tooltip player_id='261446' first='Jayla' last='Cal'] Perry   The senior point guard ran the offense and stepped up in the second half when she was needed. She made sure to get the ball in the hands of the scorers in good position. She, along with Ivy, sparked the 4th quarter defensive effort that resulted in multiple steals and easy buckets.

On Saturday January 21, 2023 the Lady Pumas of Perry traveled to Central Phoenix to take on the Xavier College Prep Gators in a matchup of the top two teams in the 6A Premier Region.