Branch, McMasters lead second half surge for HIES

With the game still in doubt and the score 33-28 in the second half, Holy Innocents put their foot on the gas and didn't let up going on a 22-9 run to separate themselves for the final time from Galloway. The Weaver sisters did their usual damage on defense wreaking havoc on ball handlers, causing turnovers, and creating transition points for Holy Innocents. Both make the right play almost all the time and will bury open jumpers if you double their talented teammates on the wing and in the post. It was the one-two punch of Elena McMasters and [player_tooltip player_id='925227' first='Aaniyah' last='Branch'] that ended things for Galloway and kept the season alive for Holy Innocents. Several other players stood out for each team with their solid play and meaningful contributions.    Aaniyah was completely dominant in the paint on both ends for Holy Innocents. Defensively, Branch altered and block multiple shots and served as a deterrent inside for the Galloway guards. Aaniyah has obvious physical gifts, but her anticipation and timing on shot blocks and rebounding is very impressive. Her offensive game continues to develop and she looked much more confident finishing around the basket, something she did often. Branch had three offensive rebounds and put backs for six of her points in two quarters. One finish with her left after a quick bounce off the ground showed just how much confidence she has gained scoring the ball. Aaniyah showed her soft hands catching a quick, bullet pass and calmly knocking down a five foot shot from the baseline. Branch's potential is through the roof and she will be a very high priority for Power Four programs across the country for the next two years.     McMasters has had a very productive season for Holy innocents and has performed very well every time I have had a chance to see her play. McMasters put the proverbial nail in the coffin for Galloway with two HUGE threes late in the game. One shot came with just over a minute to play in transition on the right wing and a second three point make from McMasters followed with about 20 seconds left in the game. Elana swarmed the ball defensively coming up with several deflections and loose balls, as well as causing tie ups and extra possessions for Holy Innocents. McMasters knocked down a baseline jumper from about 10-12 feet earlier in the game. Her best basketball could still be ahead of her. She will definitely be an asset to whatever college program she plays for the next four years.     Murray, like Branch, is a player with interest and offers from the best college programs in the country. She, like Branch, was also dominant in the paint for stretches for Holy Innocents against Galloway. Murray on one play showed excellent footwork and agility as she posted up strong and gave a big target before receiving the ball over one defender, turning in tight quarters, pivoting her feet, and finishing over another defender in the space of a phone booth. Lo had a similar play on the other side of the court where she caught the ball, adjusted her feet and went up between two defenders before being fouled and heading to the free throw line. Murray was in attack mode on the boards, snatching rebounds at full extension on both ends. Her play, along with Branch, will be huge in the Final Four against fellow blue chip prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1226988' first='Peyton' last='Frazier'].     A tough night shooting the ball from long range did not stop Wakefield from having a big impact and leaving her imprint on the game. Defensively, Wakefield had an elite performance. Not sure which are quicker her hands or her feet, but both were in constant movement and were very disruptive to the guards from Holy Innocents. In about a 7-8 second sequence at the top of the key one of the Weavers, who are very talented ball handlers, did everything they could to shake Wakefield, yet she kept chopping her feet and remained in right in front of her. Wakefield looked good attacking the baseline and slashing towards the basket. Im not sure I have seen a quicker player on the defensive end all year long. Wakefield's offensive reputation precedes her, so it was nice to see maximum effort and her competitiveness even though her shots weren't falling.     The biggest positive take away from this game for Sophia for me was her comfort and confidence operating on the perimeter at her size. Sophia caught the ball on one play, blew by the Holy innocents post before finding herself with a terrible angle at the basket. Somehow she was able to get the ball out from under the basket and put enough spin on it to make the shot all while being fouled. She has great length and mobility as well and affected the game on the boards and defensively. Sophia moved very well without the ball and made herself a constant target at the high post and a bit further extended against the zone defense as well as showing in the middle of the HIES full court press. The game was played at a very fast and frenetic pace at times which limited her touches and opportunities to score on offense.     Williamson is another player who didn't have a flashy stat line in a low scoring game, but whose impact could be seen all over the court. The first thing that was obvious was her toughness. Paloma is not afraid of contact and found herself in the middle of the action early and often. She never hesitated to give herself up and layout on the floor for loose balls and didn't hesitate to reach in and rip the ball out or force a tied possession. Paloma was also very good rebounding the ball and came up with multiple steals for Galloway.

With the game still in doubt and the score 33-28 in the second half, Holy Innocents put their foot on the gas and didn't let up going on a 22-9 run to separate themselves for the final time from Galloway. The Weaver sisters did their usual damage on defense wreaking havoc on ball handlers, causing turnovers, and creating transition points for Holy Innocents. Both make the right play almost all the time and will bury open jumpers if you double their talented teammates on the wing and in the post. It was the one-two punch of Elena McMasters and Aaniyah Branch Aaniyah Branch 6'4" | C Holy Innocents’ | 2028 State GA that ended things for Galloway and kept the season alive for Holy Innocents. Several other players stood out for each team with their solid play and meaningful contributions.