In Game Evaluations: Maryville vs Bearden (January 9th)
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In a classic near upset, Maryville (3-15) loses to Bearden (18-1) in OT 37-32. Both Jada Edwards Jada Edwards 5'10" | SF Maryville | 2024 State TN and Natalya Hodge Natalya Hodge 5'7" | CG Bearden | 2026 State TN…
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Continue ReadingIn a classic near upset, Maryville (3-15) loses to Bearden (18-1) in OT 37-32. Both Jada Edwards Jada Edwards 5'10" | SF Maryville | 2024 State TN and Natalya Hodge Natalya Hodge 5'7" | CG Bearden | 2026 State TN put on masterful individual performances.
And this is why they play the games. Maryville (3-15) almost upended perennial juggernauts Bearden, but ultimately fell short 37-32 in OT. Edwards, however, put on a masterclass in high school basketball. She poured in 23 points, while knocking down five 3’s. She hit big shot after big shot in a wonderful high school basketball environment. She hit the shot that sent the game into OT with 7.8 seconds left. Just clutch!!
Edwards has turned into a terrific all around player, and I know Coach Epperson is thrilled with the player she is becoming. Freed Hardamen is getting a terrific, diverse player.
Harrison looked extremely impressive Tuesday night! She’s long, athletic, and gritty! She’s a terrific defender and her offensive game has really grown this year! She finished with 13 points, and hit three huge 3’s to keep the game winnable for Maryville. Harrison is becoming a really shifty ballhandler that can collapse a defense, plays off two feet in the paint, and is learning how to make the next read: shoot it, dunk down pass, kick out pass.
Hodge may or may not have super powers. In a hostile environment, in a game where her teammates were struggling to hit shots, Hodge had 34 points (with four made 3’s) and simply would not let her team be defeated. This game was a great example of her competitive spirit. When Maryville made a 3rd quarter run with Hodge on the bench, she came back into the game, and 2 steals and multiple buckets in transition to extend the lead back to 13. She answered shot after shot with her own big time bucket. The Hodge vs Edwards showdown was a fantastic game, and one that ultimately Hodge wasn’t going to lose.
This was a great example of how to beat Bearden: Hodge will always get hers….simply keep Murphy and the other role players from getting going and you have a chance to win. Murphy is an excellent player, and she’s got to understand how important her role as a secondary scorer is for Bearden’s state championship hopes. When Murphy is giving Bearden 16 points, they are nearly unbeatable. When she’s less then 10….all of a sudden teams start hanging around with them that shouldn’t. Murphy has to be aggressive in order for them to reach their highest goals.
Highlights
Similar notes on Patel as Murphy above: Patel has got to be a scorer for this Bearden team. She knocked down three 3’s…and then her involvement in the offense kinda flickered out. This is where I want Murphy and Patel to know how important their role will be against the biggest teams (think Bradley Central). If Bearden can’t put three consistent scorers on the floor then they will have a tough time reaching the biggest goals. Patel CAN be one of those players….but she’s gotta be intentional about aggressively seeking those oppurtunities.
Highlights
Lainey Cox
Lainey Cox
Ultimately, Cox was the role player that stepped up and hit big shots when they needed it most. Cox has the potential to an incredibly important player for Bearden down the stretch, and I was really impressed with her willingness to take (and make) big-time shots. She will always give you great competitive spirit, and great tenacity on the defensive end.
The senior had one of her best games of the season versus Bearden. She had 8 points, 4 rebounds, and knocked down a big time 3. She handled pressure well, and defended hard all night. She showed great senior leadership as Maryville had to climb out of a double digit second half deficit.