McDonald, Orth Lead Valley Center at Andale Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I traveled to Andale for the first time to catch AVCTL Div IV Andale hosting AVCTL Div II 5A Valley Center. At 1-0, both teams entered the contest with wins over Winfield. The Indians entered the game seventh in the 4A KBCA rankings but both teams had all-league players from 2024 not on their rosters. [player_tooltip player_id='982107' first='Brooke' last='Grimes'] has yet to return to the floor for Andale. In a game that saw Valley Center break the game open early in the third quarter, going on to win running away, several players stood out for me. Check them out below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Andale</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taya Orth</strong>, 5'4", PG, Andale, 2025 - Orth consistently created her own shot off the bounce and also proved to be a effective rebounder on both ends. She also canned a pair of three balls off the catch with a smooth release. A quick one-on-one defender, Orth at times carried the team to keep them in range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maya Spexarth</strong>, 5'8", CG, Andale, 2026 - While at times she had turnover troubles Spexarth was a solid off ball defender. She also scored shots on the move. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1108845' first='Maddie' last='Lies']</strong>, 5'6", CG, Andale, 2026 - Lies was the Indians' second strongest guard on the night, looking to create off with the pass and off the dribble. Unafraid to attack inside Lies made effective use of the glass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Valley Center</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='969771' first='Taylor' last='McDonald'], 5'11", C, Valley Center, 2026 - McDonald was a force inside all night. Blocking shots, using her hops and strength to grab and control rebounds, and catching lobs to score around the hoop. With only one defender over 5'9" to contend used her size to great advantage. Athletic, good speed, long and a effective scorer in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='675832' first='Anna' last='Duncan'], 5'10", SF, Valley Center, 2025 - Whether getting scoring opportunities off the pass or the offensive rebound Duncan found herself going to the line often. Hitting her free throws solidly Duncan also knocked down a three ball. Her length was a problem in her passing game and defending on the wing or inside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1108843' first='Avery' last='Davison']</strong>, 5'5", PG, Valley Center, 2026 - Davison heated up in the third quarter, helping break the game open with several three point makes and leading the transition game off steals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1000667' first='Dylan' last='Cummings'], 5'7", PG, Valley Center, 2027 - Cummings was the most effective defender on Taya Orth and other Andale ball handlers. She also was the team's best threat creating off the bounce. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->