The Players who made for a Memorable Washington vs Metro Game

On paper, the game felt like a 16 seed vs a 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. But nobody told Metro Christian that and that's why we love March. The Lady Patriots came out of the gates on a mission and led by as many as 8 points in the first half. Even nursing an 1 point lead at the break. Washington would not be denied in their quest to repeat in Class 3A. They opened up a double digit lead in the second half and looked ready to pull away. But Metro Christian found one more push, getting it as close as three in the fourth quarter. Before the Lady Warriors finally salted away the game for for a 60-43 Washington victory.    It was noticeable during warm ups that Beller looks to be nursing a nasty sprained ankle because of a bruise that ran up her left leg. Likely because of that, the senior leader didn't start. But with her team off to a slow start, she checked into the game and brought the poise and toughness only she can bring. When the lead was cut down to three in the fourth, it was a hard nosed drive by her ending in a floater that sparked Washington to close the game out. Full stat line performance with 9 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals. The SWOSU commit has a lot of grit so will obviously keep playing in pursuit of back to back Gold. And thankfully for her, Washington has a day off before their Friday morning semifinal game.     What a performance for the senior. She was the catalyst to Metro's hot start. And kept on coming and coming. Her handling of Washington's pressure and finishing at the rim were especially impressive. Went for a game high 16 points, showcasing the growth the sharpshooter has made into becoming a full threat on the court. Multiple times she weaved through the press and finished contested looks. Recently committed to John Brown (AR).     The freshman had carbon copy And 1 finishes during Washington's fourth quarter push. She's strong. She's tough. She gets it done around the rim. Fantastic moment for the youngster on the biggest stage she's played on so far. And likely many more similar moments to come. Finished in double figures with 11 points.     It speaks to the talent level of Brantley that it didn't feel like an A game for the freshman, but she still went for 15 points, 5 boards, 3 assists and 5 steals. The defensive steel was impressive in the second half. Because along with the quick hands to be disruptive, she stepped up and took a big charge. Offensively, it wasn't her best finishing day and she had a couple issues with turnovers. But the overall talent and high potential remain clear as day for Brantley.     A promising combo forward with good athleticism, Powell provided a huge spark on the bench. Hit an open jumper in the mid-range. Otherwise did her work around the rim, even attacking out of the high post for a big time finish through contact. She converted the free throw and that got Metro within three in the fourth. While it was a bitter ending, her performance in state is a fantastic building block. If she can continue to refine her raw edges, she could be a real force as a sophomore. And beyond.

On paper, the game felt like a 16 seed vs a 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. But nobody told Metro Christian that and that's why we love March. The Lady Patriots came out of the gates on a mission and led by as many as 8 points in the first half. Even nursing an 1 point lead at the break. Washington would not be denied in their quest to repeat in Class 3A. They opened up a double digit lead in the second half and looked ready to pull away. But Metro Christian found one more push, getting it as close as three in the fourth quarter. Before the Lady Warriors finally salted away the game for for a 60-43 Washington victory.