603 D4 Playoffs: A North Country Matchup
An exciting semi final in D4 sets up a fun battle of the north country: #1 Groveton vs #2 Colebrook. The top teams in the regular season prevailed after two great semi final games: one decided by 8 points, and one decided…
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Continue ReadingAn exciting semi final in D4 sets up a fun battle of the north country: #1 Groveton vs #2 Colebrook.
The top teams in the regular season prevailed after two great semi final games: one decided by 8 points, and one decided by 2 with an end of game basket to secure the win for Colebrook against the Cinderella story in Woodsville. Groveton’s experience and seasoned veteran coaching helped them thrive, making a big playoff run this year after almost ten years of being out of the Final Four.
Groveton continues to be led all season by their triple threat scoring punch, together combining for almost 700 points thi season.
Marissa Kenison has led the way this season and has really come into her own this Playoff run with her leadership and poise, averaging around 15 points per game this season. Her play at the perimeter is confident, quick, and versatile. Listed as a forward, she is an efficient in and out player, playing like a wing/small forward most of the time. She can defend and run with any opponent inside or out. She has a nice mid range jumper and can finish around the rim. Her tenacious play really carries her.
Delaney Whiting has averaged consistently double digits this season, with around 13 points per game this postseason. She is a forward with versatility and strong footwork. She had two very impressive 1st round and quarterfinal games and continues to be steady in her touch and finish 15 feet in.
Aspen Clermont is the third punch to this trio and completes the scoring average with a consistent 8 point per game in the regular season but even more impressively around 14.5 points per game in the postseason. She is a developing player and someone to watch in the finals. It will be exciting to see how Colebrook defends her specifically.
For Colebrook, Lena Nicholson can score and has done so all year. She has been showing up offensively every game and really setting the pace for her team. Drawing a lot of attention,
The second semi finals found two familiar teams competing, bringing back memories of semi final and final match ups a couple years ago. Colebrook prevailed over Woodsville, and there were certainly some noteworthy standouts in this game.
For Colebrook, Ariana Lord would be the eye catcher. She finished the night by hitting the game winning shot to win. She drew lots of attention this game from Woodsville’s defense and still finished the night with a highlighted 18 points (after a 24 point output in the quarters). She scored, and seemingly can do so with a lot of finesse, inside and out. If not in foul trouble, she is one of the top in D4 who makes a big impact on both ends of the floor.
Hayley Rossitto was the other player to watch for Colebrook. She can shoot the three. She has a very nice release and when she finds her rhythm she can help significantly offensively, pulling out defenders and opening up the inside for her teammate’s scoring opportunities.
Woodsville’s run was fun to watch this playoff season, although falling short in this back and forth game at the end to a Lord basket 39-37.
Makayla Walker was a strong catalyst for her team. She handles the ball and is a critical piece to the offense. She set the pace and was efficient in doing so in this game.
Eliza Wagstaff led the way with an impressive 21 points. She was steady all playoffs averaging around 15 points per game in the tournament.
Paige Royer’s size made a big impact on this game as well.
With two seasoned programs in Groveton and Colebrook, this north country rivalry Championship game should be one for the books. The top seeds prevail, but who will take the Ship?