Nothin But Net Classic: Championship Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was certainly no shortage of talent at the Nothin But Net Classic in Torrance, CA this past weekend. Every coach, player, and parent was locked in, creating a highly-competitive environment. Under-the-radar prospects made a name for themselves against stiff competition. Two champions were crowned Sunday on the women's side for high school basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the <em>Junior Varsity division</em>, two teams went undefeated in pool play: Mindright and the Blue Flames. They met in the title game Sunday afternoon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blue Flames got off to a quick start as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248013' first='Kailah' last='Holley']</strong> scored the game's first 7 points (including a tough lefty and-1 finish). The 1st half was back-and-forth with nonstop full-court press defense. Mindright began to make up ground and match the intensity of the Blue Flames. <strong>Grace Anderson</strong> had her fingerprints all over Midnight's resurgence. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1278397' first='Gretchen' last='Grant']</strong> took advantage of mismatches in the post, including an up-and-under move that got people out of their seats. Others began to step up and play with growing confidence as the game went on. Whenever Mindright made a run, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248013' first='Kailah' last='Holley']</strong> responded with timely buckets. Mindright trimmed the deficit heading into halftime, but the Blue Flames were still in control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The difference in the 1st half was two things: transition and hustle plays. Both teams played hard, but the Blue Flames seemed to be first to the ball more often than not. Multiple players on both teams dove after loose balls and long rebounds. The Blue Flames finished well in transition. They took advantage of 3-on-2 fastbreaks with several acrobatic finishes around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the 2nd half, the Blue Flames tried to break free, but Mindright refused to let go. They fought and clawed their way back to make it a 3 point game with 1 minute remaining. The Blue Flames ultimately prevailed to win the title 38-30. This was a very physical game. The intensity on the defensive end offset the firepower of both teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The guard play for the Blue Flames makes it almost impossible to come-from-behind and beat them. They have shifty guards who are hard to stay in front of. <strong>Holley</strong> dominated from start-to-finish as a scorer and facilitator. #13, <strong>Zaria Anderson</strong>, really got it going in the 2nd half as a 3-level scorer! <strong>Morganne Shelton</strong> was also a difference maker who stepped up in the clutch. The Blue Flames shared the ball and moved well without the ball. EVERYONE played defense. The depth in the backcourt is truly special. They are loaded at the PG position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the <em>Varsity division</em>, Daygo Elite and The Starting Five faced off in the title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='714025' first='OC' last='Rhythm'] Silver and Daygo Elite went undefeated in pool play. Daygo Elite won in convincing fashion throughout the tourney and carried that momentum into Championship Sunday. Starting Five narrowly defeated [program_tooltip program_id='714025' first='OC' last='Rhythm'] Silver in a defensive-minded semifinal. This set up a rematch between the two powerhouse programs (Daygo defeated Starting Five in pool play).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game was close from start-to-finish. Both teams shared the ball and played team basketball. They competed hard on both ends. The back-and-forth affair came down to the wire. The Starting Five came out on top, 46-40, to capture the title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Daygo Elite, <strong>Jewel Parker</strong> did-it-all as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. She knows how to put the ball in the basket, simple as that. <strong>Marilyn Daniel</strong> and <strong>Shanti Glenn</strong> also impressed with the ball in their hands. This team is full of elite playmakers, defenders, and scorers. They played with grit and toughness throughout the tourney. Daygo was disruptive on the defensive end in this matchup despite giving up some size. They have athletes who will do whatever it takes to win. It is no surprise how successful they are on the circuit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Starting Five, <strong>Rachael Correa</strong> was a stat sheet stuffer. She was the catalyst on both ends. Her versatility opened the game up for her teammates. <strong>Brittany Adebiyi</strong> made her presence known in the paint. <strong>EvaMarie Rios</strong>, <strong>Alina Machuca</strong>, and <strong>Sam Cortez</strong> impressed on the perimeter and played well together. All three are very tough covers off the bounce. Starting Five 17u Black will be hard to beat this summer at full strength. They have great chemistry. They have everything you need and everything you want: size, versatility, elite guard play, rebounding, perimeter defense, interior defense, you name it...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->