The 3A-4A Boxout, Kickout, Fastbreak Spotlight

You saw the bucket — but you may have missed the rebound and other details that started it all. You may have missed the strong outlet pass that ignited the break, the crossover dribble that beat the press, the screen that freed a teammate, or the quick eye contact that triggered a backdoor cut. You may have even missed the conversation on the floor that led to a defensive stop and the next possession going the other way. Over the past few days, the 3A and 4A Semifinals have moved pretty fast, and some of the most impactful plays never showed up in the box score or in an article. In this Fast Break Spotlight, we slow it down just enough to recognize the players who made winning plays. Remember, before the bucket ever happens, there's always a breakdown that of what made the "fast break" happen.      [player_tooltip player_id='1249017' first='Angelina' last='Laudicina'] faked a move inside and all in one motion converted a step-back three pointer. Later on the freshman knocked down another long range shot. Laudicina also contributed in other areas - 4 rebounds and 2 assists. A few times, she brought the ball down to take the pressure off of her guards, showcasing her versatility and composure on the State's biggest stage.     [player_tooltip player_id='1223182' first='Saleigh' last='Simpson'] contributed solid minutes and made her presence felt in multiple areas, finishing with 6 points and 5 rebounds. But that only tells half the story. She battled inside and help make it difficult for Bolle's inside game to get going. Simpson stayed active around the basket, battling on the glass and providing extra possessions. Her effort and willingness to do the small things — rebounding, positioning, and playing within the flow of the offense and defense were key in executing the game plan. These are the plays that get the 'fast break" started. You may see the bucket, but Simpson is that player who makes it all go.     [player_tooltip player_id='741734' first='Sienna' last='Williams'] is always making things happen and the 4A semifinals were no different. She knocked down two three pointers (40 percent). Williams does a lot of things that may go unnoticed. She is always a reliable outlet for the point guard and gets in the gap for easy shots. She also draws the defense to her because of her shooting ability - that opens the floor for her guards to drive and her shooters to shoot. Williams finished with 6 points, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds and those are the stats you saw, but she also did a lot of little things that impact winning and made the "fast-break" go.     [player_tooltip player_id='968076' first='Alysya' last='Smith'] knocked down a two that was smooth and totally in rhythm. The young guard had several quality looks and showed an ability to shoot off the catch or create her own shot - what ever the defense gives. In the 4A semifinals, Smith's impact didn't come from inside the rim, but everywhere around it. She ran the floor with speed and grace, displaying her athleticism. She was quick to loose balls (9 rebounds) and jumped the passing lanes (6 steals). She ignited the "fast break" and more importantly had a huge impact on the final outcome. One stat that proves Smith's impact - her team was plus 23 when she was on the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='1232629' first='Abigail' last='Philistin'] is a glue type player who impacts the game far beyond the score sheet. She can play both forward positions with the ability to play on the perimeter or in the paint. She has good handling skills and creates a lot of mismatches when covered by a smaller player or one not as strong. In the semifinals, she provided 7 points, 3 rebounds, 4 fouls drawn and numerous plays not listed on the scorecard. She is the player who mixes it up and when the ball bounces the other way, you realize she prevented the opponent from getting the ball and that unselfish play led to a fast-break on the other end of the court.

You saw the bucket — but you may have missed the rebound and other details that started it all. You may have missed the strong outlet pass that ignited the break, the crossover dribble that beat the press, the screen that freed a teammate, or the quick eye contact that triggered a backdoor cut. You may have even missed the conversation on the floor that led to a defensive stop and the next possession going the other way. Over the past few days, the 3A and 4A Semifinals have moved pretty fast, and some of the most impactful plays never showed up in the box score or in an article. In this Fast Break Spotlight, we slow it down just enough to recognize the players who made winning plays. Remember, before the bucket ever happens, there's always a breakdown that of what made the "fast break" happen.