In-game adapters — Springville vs. Maquoketa Valley

Last night I checked in on an anticipated matchup between ranked squads Springville (6th in 1A) and Maquoketa Valley (3rd in 2A). These two teams are well-drilled, know their sets, and stick to their strengths on defense. With Springville flexing a stingy zone and Maquoketa utilizing an aggressive man-to-man defense, it was interesting to see what adjustments were made throughout the game to break through offensively. A few players stuck out to me that stood out by stepping up for their team, playing disciplined defense, and making adjustments against stout defenses — continue reading to see which players cracked the code.    If I could give a "Defender of the Game Award" for last night's game, that award would go to [player_tooltip player_id='896422' first='Addison' last='Merritt']. The stats say she finished with six steals, but I bet with deflections and forced turnovers it was closer to 10. She was consistently darting into passing lanes, picking pockets at the top of the zone, and diving for extra possessions. Offensively, Merritt opportunistic against Maq. Valley's press. She had a stop and pop in the paint off of the press break in the first half and followed with an and-1 in off the dribble later in the second half. She also took advantage in the half court — when the defense didn't close out aggressive enough, Merritt flashed a solid jumper, including a huge three to solidify Springville's lead in the fourth when the Wildcats were threatening.     Freshman Jacey Martin was a game-changer down the stretch for Springville — her ability to run the floor and make timely passes helped the Orioles keep their four game win streak alive. The small forward adjusted to Maquoketa's press by running the floor hard, which forced the Wildcats' defense to spread out. Martin shined when the defense didn't fully recover — she attacked the basket off the dribble, finished off two feet in the lane, and made strong back cuts for much-needed points. Her lob pass into the post with 1:20 left was another big-time play for Springville.     To no surprise, [player_tooltip player_id='595151' first='Rowan' last='Jacobi'] was dominant across the board vs Maquoketa Valley. Despite getting faceguarded on the perimeter and double-teamed in the post, Jacobi picked her spots well and didn't look rushed with her decision-making. The Wildcats packed the paint when Rowan had the ball and she adjusted accordingly with a few nice pull-ups in the lane. When she did get a deep seal, there wasn't much defenders could do — Rowan used her pivot well in traffic and converted with finesse. She finished the night 6/10 on her shots inside the perimeter and scored 23 points overall. She was also efficient at the line, going 8/10. And rebounds? Jacobi had it covered — she hauled in 15.     [player_tooltip player_id='782505' first='Grace' last='Richter'] was particularly impactful with her quick cuts in the middle of Springville's zone and her soft touch in the paint. When Maquoketa struggled to get penetration against the Oriole's defense, you could rely on Richter to flash to an open spot in the lane and make a play. She was able to find open teammates on kickout passes as well as call her own number for a handful of tough finishes over her left shoulder. She also showed her ability to put the ball on the deck with a tough floater in the second half. On the defensive end, Richter is a disciplined, reliable help defender with quick hands.     When the Wildcats faced a 15 point deficit in the third quarter, [player_tooltip player_id='1044928' first='Audra' last='Burbridge'] flipped a switch. She spearheaded a massive comeback by catching fire from deep and turning up the heat on defense. When Springville's zone didn't extend out far enough, Audra made them pay. She was money off the dribble last night and flashed a smooth side step dribble and crossover on two occasions to connect on three pointers. She was also a menace in the backcourt. She didn't seem to tire, was relentless with her on-ball defense, and if I were to guess she forced at least 5 turnovers. Well done to Burbridge for her fight and in-game adjustments last night.     Senior shooter Madison Thompson responded during Maquoketa's comeback with energy and focus. As the Wildcats were mounting their comeback, Thompson joined in on the charge with shooting ability and defensive pressure. She hit a much-needed three in the fourth quarter, and backed herself again with a tough three with a hand in her face that got the crowd on its feet. Soon after, Thompson drew a big charge in transition to secure another much-needed possession for the visiting team. Shooting 31% from deep on the season, I like Thompson's confidence to step up and take tough shots down the stretch.

Last night I checked in on an anticipated matchup between ranked squads Springville (6th in 1A) and Maquoketa Valley (3rd in 2A). These two teams are well-drilled, know their sets, and stick to their strengths on defense. With Springville flexing a stingy zone and Maquoketa utilizing an aggressive man-to-man defense, it was interesting to see what adjustments were made throughout the game to break through offensively. A few players stuck out to me that stood out by stepping up for their team, playing disciplined defense, and making adjustments against stout defenses — continue reading to see which players cracked the code.