Capitol City Classic: Bingham, UT vs. West Linn, OR

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although these two teams are from different states, there is some familiarity as they faced off last season in round 2 of the Nike TOC in Arizona. West Linn was able to get that win last year, and they bring back everyone from that talented team that finished 4th in the state last season. This year, West Linn has State Championship aspirations. They have twp legit Division 1 players in Reese Jordan and Kaylor Buse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bingham, on the other hand, graduated 8 seniors and looks to their young core to make a run, and they entered the game with a 6-1 record and their only loss is to the #1 team in Utah, which is 10-0. The Miners are led by standout shooter [player_tooltip player_id='796474' first='Evalyn' last='Roberts'] and rising center [player_tooltip player_id='796469' first='Veanna' last='Pau'u']. Last year Bingham ended 3rd in 6A and made it to the Final 4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early in the Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While both teams initially probed each other, West Linn's Kaylor Buse set the tone. A natural floor general with excellent court vision, she capped off an early 7-0 run with a wide-open three. Buse was physical on both ends of the floor. She was incredibly solid, and her ability to control the tempo and her elite assist-to-turnover ratio could place her among the best guards in the West. Reese Jordan showcased her all-around game as she was slashing and posting in this game, as she was being hounded out in the perimeter most of the game. Her patience in the post was unreal as she could get to her pivots and rise above most defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2nd Half Run</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Miners made strategic adjustments in the second half, forcing West Linn to take multiple timeouts as they narrowed the lead to just three points through improved play and effective ball movement. [player_tooltip player_id='796801' first='Hannah' last='Harmon'] provided a solid performance, specifically assigned to guarding the opposition's top players. She contributed with several baskets, assists, defensive tips, and steals. [player_tooltip player_id='796469' first='Veanna' last='Pau'u'] was a dominant force, showcasing an ability that proved she couldn't be contained one-on-one, prompting West Linn to employ a double-team on her in the late stages of the second half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Overview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bingham received strong performances from all players, particularly [player_tooltip player_id='805794' first='Brizzy' last='Cottle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='796474' first='Evalyn' last='Roberts']. Both are skilled shooters with the ability to drive to the basket. West Linn has depth and utilizes their playmakers effectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams have a shot to make a run in region play and state play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->