Previews, Predictions And Players To Watch
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There are some very intriguing Division 1 District Championship games that will be taking place in Michigan. We will take a closer look at 2 of these games and players to watch from each contest. SAGINAW HERITAGE VS. FLINT CARMAN-AINSWORTH…
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Continue ReadingThere are some very intriguing Division 1 District Championship games that will be taking place in Michigan. We will take a closer look at 2 of these games and players to watch from each contest.
SAGINAW HERITAGE VS. FLINT CARMAN-AINSWORTH
Carman-Ainsworth is in the midst of a 20-0 undefeated season and Heritage comes in with a record of 13-10. Throw the records away in this one though, because Heritage has the skill and firepower needed to walk away with a title.
Prediction: Flint Carman-Ainsworth
Carman-Ainsworth was victorious in the first meeting by a score of 61-48 and looks to make it 2-0 and take take home a district trophy. I say that they’ll do it, but Heritage won’t go down without a fight. Heritage has an explosive scorer, a shooter, toughness and elite young talent. They’ll be tough to beat. Carman-Ainsworth is undefeated for a reason though. They have an elite set of versatile forwards and a vastly improved guard that can make plays.
Players To Watch:
Mitchell can flat out keep her team in this game and even pull off the upset. She’s an explosive bucket getter that can create space in a variety of ways. Mitchell has a nasty step back jumper as well as handles that help her get looks at the rim. If she gets going offensively, it can be anybody’s game.
When you watch Braddock play, she gives you the impression sometimes that she just won’t let her team lose. She’s always willing to sacrifice and go all out for her team. Braddock will do all the little things like being the first to hit the floor for a loose ball. She has the ability to dominate the glass, and if she can do that against Carman-Ainsworth, her team will see success.
Smith is an absolute nightmare for opposing coaches. How exactly do you gameplan against her. She can score from all over the court, if physically stronger than almost anyone she matches up against, and is extremely versatile. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that even if she maybe doesn’t feel her shot on a particular day, she’s one of the better passing forwards that you’ll find in the state.
Same question was with Smith above, how exactly do you gameplan for her? Strozier has a unique combination of dominating power in the paint and solid footwork and movement. She can can slide over and help with ease and she constantly wins battles for position on the block and under the rim. Strozier’s opponents have to do their work well before she gets the ball or she’ll be trouble all game long.
TRENTON VS. TEMPERANCE BEDFORD
I really like this matchup. The teams have pretty similar scores in wins against Flat Rock and Monroe. They are also both playing their best basketball of the season with a combined 26 wins since either of them last took an L.
Prediction: Bedford
Let’s start off by saying this: Trenton has one of the best backcourts in the state. It’s not going to come easy for Bedford. I think their ability to control the glass and determine the pace of the game combined with having a talented young guard themselves is what wins them the game.
Thomas is one of the more underrated players in the state. She’s quite simply a big time talent. She has a pretty jumper with 3 point range but can also attack the rim. Thomas is a good rebounding guard as well. She’s a big time asset on the defensive end of the floor. Thomas can use her length and wingspan to frustrate and limit her opponents.
Bynum is a terrific point guard that really started to make a name for herself with Downriver Elite on the PGH Circuit last spring. Her handles and ability to push the ball while maintaining control have always stood out to me. Bynum can break down her defender with her ability to change speeds.
Highlights
Gray is an elite post player in Michigan. She’s pretty much a living and breathing double-double machine in points and rebounds. Gray not only gets position under the rim, but also has a great instinctual feel for where the ball is coming off the rim. Her dominance on the glass puts her in position for high percentage put back buckets.
Peyton Behnke
Peyton Behnke
I really like what Behnke brings to the table as a player and prospect. She’s solid and efficient with the ball in her hands. Behnke has a nice feel for the game and is proving to be a very good decision maker with the ball. She can also get buckets and hit her jumper in a timely manner.