Regional 8 Finals: Top Performers

Fraser (23-2, 10-0 MAC Blue) and Anchor Bay (23-2, 10-0 MAC White) came into the Regional 8 Finals seeking a spot in the Quarterfinals. In the first half, both teams appeared to have championship game jitters. Anchor Bay grinded out a 19-13 at the half, but it was the third quarter that set the tone for the rest of the game. The invisible lid was removed from the rim as Fraser erupted for 22 points, giving them a 35-29 advantage entering the final frame. The fourth quarter was a rollercoaster ride of suspense, rallies, lead changes, and highlights. Anchor Bay mounted a charge to tie the game, then take the lead late. Fraser countered to retake their lead and preserved it in the final minute. The game was within three with under 30 seconds left, but Fraser stiffened up defensively to force a turnover. The Ramblers secured a 47-43 victory and will face Utica Eisenhower in the Quarterfinals. Here are the prospects from both teams who impressed me the most.    Nylah was a force in the paint for Fraser during their Regional Final win. She rotated from the help side to force misses and had many blocks in front of the rim. Her length and shot blocking helped protect the lead, while forcing the opponent to attempt perimeter jumpers. Nylah pivoted to finish a contested layup, scored putbacks, and secured several rebounds. Nylah pivoted to get the scoring angle, then scored a strong-and one through contact. She completed the three-point play at the line and poured in 11 points for Fraser.     Isabella played a key role in the comeback win. She crashed the boards hard to grab multiple offensive rebounds, dropped in a soft floater, and sank a smooth wing three. Isabella knocked down a few key free throws, and her scrappy two-way effort made a great impact in the game. Isabella chipped in seven points for Fraser.     Alaynah was clutch for Fraser during their comeback win in the Regional Finals. She used a shifty crossover dribble to beat her defender, accelerated, and finished with an underhand layup softly off the glass. Alayna went back to the well, blew by again using an explosive crossover dribble, then scored through contact for the and-one scoop at the rim. She turned a two-point play into five, chasing down her missed free throw, then drilling a confident pull-up jumper from beyond the arc. Alaynah switched hands effectively and drove downhill with a burst to earn multiple trips to the charity stripe. She attacked down the baseline and shoveled a great dump-off pass for an assist. With time running out, Alaynah transformed into Wonder Woman for the Ramblers, sinking a go-ahead three-pointer from way downtown off the bounce. She drained two key free throws to extend Fraser's lead to 44-41 with 30.7 seconds left. Alaynah paced the Ramblers with 15 points (2 3PT) and scored eight in the fourth quarter.     Karissa swiped the ball away on defense and dished out an assist to an open teammate in the corner. She got to the nail and had an accurate mid-range pull-up. She drained a deuce up top and drained another with a hand in her face off a DHO in the paint. Karissa got to the rim to score layups and buried a triple from the slot off the dribble. Her length, athleticism, and slashing instincts mixed with a pull-up game should draw attention from college coaches. Karissa was one of two double-digit scorers for the Tars, pouring in 11.     Francesca energized Fraser with her play on both ends of the court. She scored a strong and-one layup in the first quarter and dished out an assist. Francesca anticipated passes and disrupted the passing lanes on the perimeter. She showed a burst off the dribble, beating defenders down the middle and the baseline to score layups. Francesca generated steals with her quick hands on defense. She picked off a pass in the closing seconds, then sank her free throws to clinch the victory. Francesca posted nine points in Fraser's Regional Final win.     Julia battled through a lingering injury and nearly willed Anchor Bay to a win in the fourth quarter. She went on an eight-point scoring surge. Julia floated in the air to convert a tough bucket, made a catch and finish layup in transition, stole the ball away to score a smooth reverse finish, and added an exclamation point with a determined offensive rebound putback to tie the game at 39 all with 2.5 minutes left. Julia was active on the boards, dropped in a floater earlier in the game, and was an effective facilitator. She led the Tars with 12 points and is one of the craftiest point guards in this class. It's been exciting to see Julia play during travel and high school games; she's one of the top unsigned point guards still available and a true competitor.     Averi impressed me a year ago at the SVSU MLK Classic. Her all-out effort on both ends of the court was impossible to miss during the Regional Finals. Averie was aggressive and active on defense. She deflected passes and had at least five steals. Averi grabbed a defensive rebound, pushed the ball up the court with pace, and dished out an unselfish dump-off pass for the assist. She split defenders with a straight-line burst to score a layup and made a smart backdoor cut to score a bucket. She's a talented guard who'll play a huge role in the Tars backcourt next season.

Fraser (23-2, 10-0 MAC Blue) and Anchor Bay (23-2, 10-0 MAC White) came into the Regional 8 Finals seeking a spot in the Quarterfinals. In the first half, both teams appeared to have championship game jitters. Anchor Bay grinded out a 19-13 at the half, but it was the third quarter that set the tone for the rest of the game. The invisible lid was removed from the rim as Fraser erupted for 22 points, giving them a 35-29 advantage entering the final frame. The fourth quarter was a rollercoaster ride of suspense, rallies, lead changes, and highlights. Anchor Bay mounted a charge to tie the game, then take the lead late. Fraser countered to retake their lead and preserved it in the final minute. The game was within three with under 30 seconds left, but Fraser stiffened up defensively to force a turnover. The Ramblers secured a 47-43 victory and will face Utica Eisenhower in the Quarterfinals. Here are the prospects from both teams who impressed me the most.