Intangibles Beyond the Scorebook

Game scores are usually never 100 to 99, because so much of what decides a game happens beyond the scoreboard. Yes, scoring is important — it always will be — but in competitive contests teams win because of the efforts that don't often get highlighted. The ability to slow down the opposition with tough defense, control the glass, make second-chance plays, communicate, rotate, hustle, and compete on every possession is usually what truly shifts momentum.   This week, several players delivered impact beyond the points, influencing the outcome through their effort, activity, awareness, and willingness to do the little things that help teams win but don't show up on the stat sheet. These are the performances that matter just as much as scoring — sometimes even more.    [player_tooltip player_id='400813' first='Asiana' last='McCreary'] really showed the versatility that really makes her such a versatile prospect. McCreary has so much upside and will continue working on her game this season and throughout the Summer. The forward rebounds well and defends on the perimeter and in the paint. She assisted with press break and also pushed the ball in transition before giving it up to a guard. There are no stats that measure McCreary's impact in press break, nor pushing the pace in transition and giving the ball up to a point guard who gets the assist. She made plays throughout the battle against Bolles and showed why she is a player to contend with on the First coast.     [player_tooltip player_id='514527' first='Arianna' last='Walker'] put the clamps down for the majority of the big game last week. Walker's pressure was so effective that the opponent didn't even look to score. Walker has quick feet and she is also fast on the court and has the ablity to play Walker blocked a shot to fend off an opponent driving for the score. Walker can also get downhill and score on occasion. Walker also pushed the ball in transition and initiated fast break points and initiated offense. She has the ability to rebound from the guard position and push the break.     [player_tooltip player_id='1235880' first='Amira' last='Martin'] displayed tons athleticism in her game against Creekside. Martin scored on several pick and roll sets and when she scored you could see the explosiveness every time she jumps. Martin dove on the floor numerous times for loose balls and neither of her extra effort will make it into the score book. Martin ran the floor well, rebounded well and showed she could attack off the dribble. Martin is a prospect to continue tune to watch over the next few weeks.     [player_tooltip player_id='1090912' first='Mamie' last='Burkett'] continues to be a beyond the scoreboard contributor. This past week the young forward excelled in th pick and roll game and got several buckets off of the roll. Burkett stepped out and made the midrange shot and showed great patience and communication when on the floor. Burkett is just a Sophomore and her intangibles are way beyond the scoreboard and stat sheet.     Olivia Gambell connected on multiple threes and knocked down a few midrange looks, but the box score doesn't fully reflect her impact. The senior guard set the tone for her team with her leadership, consistently pushing the pace and keeping pressure on the defense. Her ability to play in the passing lanes, read the floor and secure steals and also rebound from the guard position provides proof that Gamble impacts the game beyond the scoreboard.     [player_tooltip player_id='1235879' first='Natasha' last='Materia'] consistently brings energy to the floor and its not the points that garner the attention, but her athleticism and bounce she has on the court. Materia contributes nearly 8 points per game in the scoring department, but also she handles the ball and does a good job of taking the pressure off of her point guard. Materia makes plays on the defensive area of the floor, and is always in the middle of the action. She is a young player to watch in the future.

Game scores are usually never 100 to 99, because so much of what decides a game happens beyond the scoreboard. Yes, scoring is important — it always will be — but in competitive contests teams win because of the efforts that don't often get highlighted. The ability to slow down the opposition with tough defense, control the glass, make second-chance plays, communicate, rotate, hustle, and compete on every possession is usually what truly shifts momentum.