The Full 32: Newcastle vs Del City

Earlier this week saw two teams with Gold Ball aspirations square off in an early season district clash. After three tense quarters, Del City started to pull away in the fourth quarter. The Lady Eagles went up by ten points in the final frame and were on the verge of securing a signature early season victory. However, Newcastle proved why they're expected to be in the Class 5A State Tournament. They turned up the pressure on both ends of the court. It started with defending at the rim and then getting to the rim on offense. They rallied for a 67-60 victory. The two teams will have a rematch on January 30th.    Kindred was good throughout the game, slashing drives to the rims and making plays on defense. Even banking in a three. But when her Lady Racers found themselves down 10 in the fourth, she put the team on her back. It started with a couple swats at the rim, then tough finishes at the basket. More than just shot blocking, she switched onto a guard in the final minute and forced a steal that led to the go ahead score for Newcastle.   She's ones of the most dynamic players in Oklahoma, with amazing timing on blocks and steals. And is a tough driver to the rim. A very strong start to her sophomore season.     Sims battled foul trouble throughout but was available in the fourth to put the finishing touches on the victory. Trailing by one with about a minute left, she ran the floor in transition and was there for the putback after a teammate missed. The next possession she slipped by a defender and scored again to further secure the lead. She's a physically gifted post player, with the height and wingspan to be a true difference maker as a finisher and rim protector.     The sparkplug senior guard had no fear going against a taller Newcastle squad. She drained big momentum shifting threes. And also slipped to the rim, lofting floaters and other finishes over the long arms of her opponents. Hunt clearly has the senior swagger to make plays all year long for a Del City team in the hunt for the 5A Gold Ball.     The second part of Del City's dynamic duo on the night. Bonds was a force on the glass. Used her combination of power and soft touch as a finisher to consistently score against the tall Racers front line. She understands angles and other moves to get off her shots against taller foes. A true workhorse around the rim for the Lady Eagles, who's a consistent rock for the DC.     Taliaferro stepped up with little moments that added up to a big impact for the Racers. Had a productive offensive stretch in the second quarter with a knocked down three and a good and 1 finish on a drive. Also has connector energy on offense.     Another depth piece for the Lady Racers. Was feisty on the defensive end in the first half. Steals and deflections. Solid athlete, but there were some moments with turnovers where it looked like she was going too fast. Continuing to refine her handles and footwork will help develop into an impact bench player this winter for one of the best teams in Oklahoma.

Earlier this week saw two teams with Gold Ball aspirations square off in an early season district clash. After three tense quarters, Del City started to pull away in the fourth quarter. The Lady Eagles went up by ten points in the final frame and were on the verge of securing a signature early season victory. However, Newcastle proved why they're expected to be in the Class 5A State Tournament. They turned up the pressure on both ends of the court. It started with defending at the rim and then getting to the rim on offense. They rallied for a 67-60 victory. The two teams will have a rematch on January 30th.