4A State Preview? What to know from LCS vs Locust Grove

Class 4A kicks off their the Road to the Coliseum with Districts. Which meant for the defending Class 4A Champs, Lincoln Christian School it wasn't only senior night but a potential State Tournament game worthy warm up. Top ranked LCS hosted third ranked Locust Grove, a rematch of a Class 4A semifinal from last year. Locust Grove matched Lincoln Christian's intensity early, with it manifesting via an edge on the glass.    Leyva set an early tone on defense with blocks and steals. From hounding on the ball and ripping the opposition, a helpside block and swatting an opponent who tried a mid-range pull up on her. When LCS started to pull away in the second half, it was Leyva who put her foot on the gas pedal. Attacked the basket with smooth but fast drives to the rim, either scoring or drawing fouls. Then had one particularly back breaking stretch where she stepped into a pull up three, then ripped the opposing ball handler for a steal and score. It was a complete performance for one of the top guards in the state. And she has Lincoln Christian looking ready to defend their 4A title.     Quieter scoring game by Stewart's lofty standards. But she brought the fire on defense. Often covered Locust Grove's top player in an one on one match up. Her combination of strength and lateral movement meant she consistently beat the opposing ballhandler to spots all over the court. And was often physical without fouling. The Nebraska signee has always had a do whatever it takes mentality on the court, and it was no different as she made an impact that went beyond the box score.     Stokes is one of the top prospects in the state and has ti do a bit of everything for the Lady Pirates. There were good signs of growth from her, especially compared to an preseason scrimmage vs LCS. The junior played stronger and more deliberate with the ball. If she caught it in the paint, there was no wasted motions as she would go up quickly and strong. Made a few good passes out of the high post and from the elbow as a halfcourt offensive hub. Also helped out with breaking the press against LCS's pressure. At times she got sped up, but generally did a good job while showing off her guard skills. It was a good battler game from Stokes, but to challenge for a title, she'll need to be more effiecent as a scorer.     A timely shooter, she was a key part in Locust Grove's punching back in the first half. Provides floor spacing, and shots it with confidence when given an opening. She understands her role within the LG offense and has often thrived in it. Including an impressive performance last year in the 4A quarterfinals.     The freshman had a strong stint in the first half that came via her outstanding motor. Multiple steals, where her quick hands and tenacity allowed her to straight up take it from the opposition. What made it simply a good but not great quarter was her struggles with finishing at the rim. There was one agile and nimble drive where she avoided two defenders that really deserved a score. But she missed a good look. Which she was playing with a wrap up her left hand. But she didn't let her scoring dictate her energy level, as even after one miss she still raced back on defense and ended up swatting a jumper. The defense, competitiveness and quickness are already present for her to be a top tier high school player.     Willoby has been trending upward this calendar year for LCS. They often post her up as a match up problem on the block. As she's too strong for guards, while too quick and explosive for forwards. Is also tough to handle as a driver too, with spin moves and other ways to attack the rim. The next step in her game is clearly to improve her three point shooting. as As the defense was playing heavily off of her from three. She took a few open jumpers with confidence, but didn't connect. It was notable on one such attempt, her follow up through was crooked instead of straight.     With a wrap on her left thumb/wrist, it was a quiet scoring night for the senior who is usually known for her sharpshooting. Still was active and smart on the offensive end, scoring some points around the rim. While also often making her presence felt on the defensive end with steals and deflections. She's a long arm guard with good height, giving her real "3 and D" potential at the next level. For Locust Grove's playoff run goals, hopefully she'll find her shooting touch from deep that eluded her on Monday night.

Class 4A kicks off their the Road to the Coliseum with Districts. Which meant for the defending Class 4A Champs, Lincoln Christian School it wasn't only senior night but a potential State Tournament game worthy warm up. Top ranked LCS hosted third ranked Locust Grove, a rematch of a Class 4A semifinal from last year. Locust Grove matched Lincoln Christian's intensity early, with it manifesting via an edge on the glass.