An early season instant classic went down at Ferris High School in Spokane, WA for the 9th annual Fitz Tournament. With both teams having Division 1 committed players and all around quality guard play, the stage was set for a really fun out of state showdown.
While things started off very slow, both teams would trade left and right hook punches all throughout the rest of the game. Colorado State signee <strong>Ellie Boni</strong> consistently produced throughout the game, including clutch free throws and a game tying floater in Overtime. She would finish with an event record 39 points. Despite fouling out, Portland signee <strong>Tyler McCliment-Call</strong> really did her part, scoring in bunches and finishing with 29 points, while watching her team pull out a gusty 86-83 victory from the sidelines.
Here are some of the standout moments and players from the game:
<span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>MVP:</strong></span> Ellie Boni (2020, University)
<ul>
<li>Ellie scored it really well from 15 feet and in. She missed a lot of shots early, but she made baskets when it mattered most. Even more impressive, she got to the line 17 times and converted on 15 of those shots. She operated so well out of the pick and roll. She is at her best when she can turn the corner attacking to her right side, where she can draw contact for fouls and finish some as well. She also has a really nice, soft touch on her right handed floater. Ellie made a lot of the big plays for her team tonight and was first to congratulate teammates when they made big plays as well.</li>
</ul>
<span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Surprising Standout:</strong></span> <strong>Sabrina Ma</strong> (2022, St. Ignatius)
<ul>
<li>Sabrina was nearly unguardable throughout the game. While there were a handful of fairly impressive sophomores for the Wildcats, Sabrina stood out the most. She led her team in scoring at 27 points and made big basket after big basket all night long. She has a tight handle with some shift to her as well. One of the things I always pay attention to is "who is guarding players when they have big games" and Sabrina had Division 1 seniors two years older defending her. That ultimately legitimizes her performance.</li>
</ul>
<span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Best Coaching Moment:</strong></span> Mike Mulkerrins (St. Ignatius)
<ul>
<li>Coach Mulkerrins has a highly trained executing team on the offensive end for sure. They make great drop off passes, back door cuts and ball reversals for the best shot. The best moment overall though, was a baseline inbounds play going the length of the court to tie the game. Coach put his best player and senior leader out towards half court, only to have her break towards the ball and loop around a teammate near the top of the three point line. She then proceeded to make a straight beam line back towards her basket on the other end. The inbounder through a perfect football pass and she scored a crucial layup to keep the game going. Great X's and O's moment by coach Mulkerrins.</li>
</ul>
<span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Biggest Takeaway:</strong></span>
University proved that they can handle adversity with this win. St. Ignatius played most of the first three quarters without their best player, <strong>Rachel Harvey</strong> (CSUN Signee) but other players absolutely stepped up. A year ago, University could not, or did not win these games that came down to the wire. The team showed a lot of heart coming together to win this one. If they can buy into playing with one another and playing a team first game, they will really be a tough outing for any team, when their shots are falling.
*Be on the lookout for much more coverage on both of these teams as the event unfolds! There are more standouts and prospects to know from each team.
