GSL Game of the Week: Ridgeline vs. University

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With only a few weeks left in the regular season, this one carries real weight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ridgeline Falcons</strong> enters the matchup at <strong>5–1 in league play</strong>, while <strong>University Titans</strong> sits close behind at <strong>5–2</strong>. When the final horn sounds, the winner will have sole possession of the <strong>No. 1 spot in the GSL 3A standings</strong> — a critical position as postseason seeding comes into focus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game will feature contrasting identities and playmakers everywhere!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ridgeline: Defenders, Scorers, Winners</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ridgeline has shown they can score, but their ability to consistently <strong>defend</strong> has been the difference during league play. The Falcons have made life difficult for opponents by controlling possessions, forcing tough shots, and turning stops into momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the center of that balance is <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/madilyn-crowley/">[player_tooltip player_id='759432' first='Madilyn' last='Crowley']</a></strong>, who is averaging <strong>19 points per game</strong> and continues to impact games on both ends. She's been a steady offensive presence while also anchoring Ridgeline's defensive identity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alongside her, <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/grace-sheridan/">[player_tooltip player_id='918760' first='Grace' last='Sheridan']</a></strong> adds another layer, averaging <strong>17.8 points per game</strong> while helping keep the Falcons organized offensively. Her ability to score within the flow and contribute defensively has been a key part of Ridgeline's consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Then there's freshman <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/01/if-defense-wins-championships-these-teams-could-be-a-lock/">Noelia Axton</a></strong>, who continues to make a name for herself with production all over the floor. Her activity level, instincts, and willingness to compete have added depth to Ridgeline's rotation and made them harder to game plan against.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>University: Outscore and Outlast</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>University High's formula has been straightforward...<strong>outscore opponents</strong>. With an average point differential of <strong>+5.9</strong>, the Titans have lived on offensive execution and shot-making. That margin also leaves little room for error, making discipline and decision-making critical.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offense is led by senior point guard <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mckenzie-handran/">[player_tooltip player_id='766482' first='McKenzie' last='Handran']</a></strong>, a dynamic scorer who can stretch defenses from beyond the arc or punish defenders off the dribble. When she's in rhythm, University's offense looks difficult to contain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Complementing her is junior shooting guard <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2025/03/next-up-sister-duos-aiming-to-follow-hulls-legacy-in-the-gsl/">Keely Handran</a></strong>, whose presence allows the offense to flow. She capitalizes on open looks, keeps spacing clean, and plays within the rhythm McKenzie creates. Together, the sisters give University a backcourt that can change games quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup will test <strong>Ridgeline's defense against University's scoring punch</strong>. A classic contrast that often reveals more than a box score ever could. With the GSL 3A top spot on the line and postseason positioning looming, this is the kind of game where execution, composure, and star players tend to separate themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For anyone tracking the league closely, <strong>Ridgeline vs. University</strong> isn't just a Game of the Week, it's a measuring stick.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->