Stars Fall League 09/15 Game Recaps

Another year gone by means another year for the longest running Fall League in the upstate to return. This year features more girls teams than previously and Prep Hoops is here to cover them. Let's take a look at some of the match ups from the Tuesday action in Spartanburg.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Blue Ridge vs. Boiling Springs</h3>   The first match up of the night featured several standout players on both squads. Blue Ridge jumped out to a 20-6 lead in the first half thanks in large part to [player_tooltip player_id='1098652' first='Kaydin' last='Sullivan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1098651' first='Opal' last='Maralit'] setting the tempo on both ends of the floors. Boiling Springs began to settle in during the second half with [player_tooltip player_id='1226769' first='Gracie' last='Darville'] and [player_tooltip player_id='903219' first='Cherish' last='Dukes'] converting multiple baskets. With their offense starting to find space, Boiling Springs took the momentum on their way to a 20-4 run. Down the stretch however, it was all about the experience of Blue Ridge. Patiently executing possession after possession the Blue Ridge seniors closed on a 10-2 run to finish the game with the 42-32 victory.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dorman vs. Woodmont </h3>   The second matchup of the night was never close. Woodmont was on the short end of the stick against a newly loaded Dorman squad ready to make a deep playoff run this year. The final was 64-15 with Dorman getting key contributions from its steady senior Makalya Moore, junior [player_tooltip player_id='925567' first='Jade' last='Barlow'], and transfers [player_tooltip player_id='1606102' first='A'Keyra' last='Harris'], and Kaylin Hickman. Adding to the mix for Dorman was a slew of young talent such as [player_tooltip player_id='1605927' first='Amaya' last='Meadows'] (Spartanburg High Transfer), Reese Haltiwanger, [player_tooltip player_id='1866349' first='Alayna' last='Still'], Jalia Davis and several others. Dorman jumped out to a big lead early and subbed often with no let up in intensity or focus on both ends of the floor. It wasn't all bad news for Woodmont however, as Jamiah Durant, [player_tooltip player_id='1883718' first='Ashanti' last='Fenderson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1884563' first='Natalia' last='Fenderson'] each made their mark on the game. The trio of talent from Woodmont will be productive all year and this game was no exception. The points did not come in bunches tonight but all three players had great motors from start to finish despite the lopsided score. Jamiah Durant especially impressed with her activity around the glass, forcing contact and overpowering Dorman's paint players for most the game. Look for Woodmont to bounce back next week and for Dorman to continue their early preseason dominance.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Greenville vs. Spartanburg 2</h3>   Greenville High won this matchup by a final score of 46-22 over the Spartanburg second team. Greenville seniors Jaraya Mangum, [player_tooltip player_id='1068049' first='Hailee' last='Wilson']- Drawhorn, and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1267040' first='Emily' last='Jaminet'] led the way. Greenville showed a great mix of pressure defense leading to easy scores, and half court execution which were back breaking for the young Spartanburg squad. For Spartanburg, the high pressure defense from Greenville did not leave much breathing room. They were at their best on the night when getting out early in transition. As a team they were able to get down hill on multiple occasions leading to multiple "and 1's" on the evening. As Spartanburg looks forward to a matchup against the Dorman 2 squad on the 23rd, it will be interesting to see how they match up against a more level playing field.    A PG with excellent passing ability and deep range. Opal was poised throughout the contest and showed her ability to score comfortably at all three levels. A staple of the 2027 class Opal will be taking her talent to USC Aiken after this season.     The change of pace PG showcased her excellent change of speed, and an ability to play off of two feet in the paint. She was able to seek contact early on drives, leading to defenders fouling her during their recovery. Kaydin was also able to play lock down defense on the opposing guards, leading to multiple fast break opportunities for her team.     Gracie powered through a physical game tonight on her way double digit scoring for Boiling Springs. She was able to use her length and athleticism to split multiple defenders and finish over the top multiple times. She runs the floor great and has soft hands around the rim. Look for her to continue her growth over the next few seasons and become a name to know across the state.     The PG/SG led the way on defense for Boiling Springs and was a catalyst in the second half run knocking down multiple shots from a variety of spots on the floor. Cherish has a solid touch from the outside and good speed once the ball is in her hands. She should have a solid season for a Boiling Springs as a consistent scorer on most nights.     A new name here that will make a lot of noise for Woodmont this season. Standing around 5'11 the long PF has an excellent motor and first jump off the floor. She was able to secure multiple rebounds in traffic, generate second chance opportunities, and put the ball on the deck throughout the contest.     Ashanti sets the tone for everything Woodmont does on both ends of the floor. The PG battled through an injury tonight but was still able to be effective at times. Despite the injury Ashanti was still able to get into the gaps and find her teammates on offense while also getting several deflections and steals for her squad. She showed a lot of grit tonight between the lines which shows her competitive nature.     Youth means nothing to this 2030 prospect. Natalia was all over the floor tonight in a variety of ways. From rebounding, scoring, defending, and handling the ball, the future of Woodmont looks bright with Natalia in attendance. Tonight she certainly held her own as she has done all summer playing up on a 17u team.     Quick doesn't even begin to describe Makayla's ability to get by defenders. Players had a hard time tonight being low enough, or physical enough to stay in front of her as she weaved down the lane on the way to multiple tough finishes through contact. She showcased a nice touch from all three levels, and a willingness to make the best play for her team.     A hooper with good size and build that is ready to help a college team immediately. Jade does an excellent job of shielding her defenders and playing through contact. Additionally she showed a comfort level shooting the ball behind the arc which shows her level of commitment to improving from past years. Watch for her to be a tough match up for any opposing guards this season.     Recently transferred from Greenville the senior SF provides utility for her new school. She has good size from the guard position and can play inside and out with an equal level of confidence and skill. Once the season really gets going look for her to be a stalwart of the Dorman offense.     Kaylan is finding her stride with her new school. Playing as center tonight she used her athleticism to contest shots and grab multiple defensive rebounds. Offensively she was found cleaning up the misses of her teammates and making some nice moves with the ball in her hands. Look for Kaylan to fill the middle for Dorman as they play smaller and faster than a year ago.     The sophomore adds to her resume another strong performance after Tuesday's win over Spartanburg. The 5'9" guard plays several inches higher with her length on both ends of the floor. From shooting over defenders to getting double digit deflections/steals for her Greenville squad tonight, Emily has fully cemented herself as a key contributor for this season. She was one of the lone players tonight finishing with a double double.     The little known prospect was very active tonight for Greenville. An excellent motor and one of the best floaters in the building immediately jumped out in tonight's game. Standing around 5'9" Jaraya played in great harmony with the other Greenville guards. Primarily operating from the high post and down against Spartanburg, she converted at a high level on the way to Greenville's win.     Last but certainly not least is senior [player_tooltip player_id='1068049' first='Hailee' last='Wilson']-Drawhorn. At her best when she is pressuring the other teams PG's, Hailee set the tempo for her team from the opening tip. She finished with 6 steals, and double digit assist for her squad while seldom making any mistakes between the lines. Look for her to continue stepping into her leadership role for Greenville, and show her ability to score consistently from multiple levels.

Another year gone by means another year for the longest running Fall League in the upstate to return. This year features more girls teams than previously and Prep Hoops is here to cover them. Let's take a look at some of the match ups from the Tuesday action in Spartanburg.