2A Championship Review/Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On <strong>Saturday, February 28th</strong>, at the <strong>Veterans Memorial Coliseum</strong> in <strong>Phoenix</strong>, the #2 <strong>St. John's Redskins</strong> took on the #4 <strong>Fountain Hills Falcons</strong> for the <strong>2A Girls State Championship</strong>. The game was close throughout, but the Redskins pulled out the win 41-36.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here, I take a look at some of the standouts from this contest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1784614"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69addea4bcc20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The freshman forward put together an impressive performance on the biggest stage, earning Game MVP honors while leading St. John's to the 2A state title. Tsinajinnie finished with 16 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, showing good touch around the basket and confidence stepping out to the perimeter. She established strong post position throughout the game and used her frame well to seal defenders. Tsinajinnie also contributed on the glass, pulling down nine rebounds, and played with a poise that's uncommon for a freshman. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1719297"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69addea4bcc7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The senior point guard left everything on the floor for the Falcons. Bonnaha played nearly the entire game and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists, showing her ability to impact the game in multiple ways. She consistently used her quick first step and change of pace to get downhill and create opportunities. Bonnaha also battled defensively and competed through contact. Her leadership and toughness were evident as she tried to will Fountain Hills back into the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1784612"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69addea4bccc5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Richardson showed the type of all-around activity that doesn't always jump off the stat sheet but greatly impacts winning. The sophomore guard contributed four points, three rebounds, and multiple steals, staying active defensively and making plays in passing lanes. Richardson's motor stood out, especially off the ball, where she consistently moved into spots and applied pressure defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1719310"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69addea4bcd08"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite dealing with foul trouble throughout the game, the junior guard still displayed a strong overall skill set. Smith finished with seven points, five rebounds, and four assists, showing good feel as both a scorer and facilitator. She handled the ball with confidence, displayed solid court awareness, and used her quick hands defensively to create disruption. Smith showed good poise offensively, attacking gaps when available and making the extra pass when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1719326"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69addea4bcd49"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The senior post player brought toughness to the interior for the Falcons. Schaunaman scored eight points while battling inside throughout the game. She showed the ability to establish position on the block and use her size effectively in the paint. Schaunaman also contributed on the glass with four rebounds, providing physical play inside against St. John's frontcourt. Her presence gave Fountain Hills a steady interior option during stretches of the game.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->