Ireton Falls to McNamara But Still In The Hunt

PGH scouts feature ranked athletes from Kansas.

Tink Butler January 30, 2019 @ 11:25 AM

Bishop Ireton's first year head coach Kesha Walton will not win the WCAC conference regular season but, staying in the top four puts the Cardinal in the best position for an upset title. Ireton is holding on to the fourth spot but Good Counsel and Bishop O'Connell are right on their tail. Bishop McNamara holds second place are looking to tie at worst for the conference title with St. John's after falling in their only loss of the season in an overtime thriller. The Mustangs have been on a mission since the loss crushing Good Counsel and beating Ireton in the first of back to back games against the Cardinal. Ireton led the game 5-0, the Mustangs went on a run leading by as much as 25 points and were up 62-39 to start the fourth quarter before taking their foots of off the gas. These two teams meet again on January 31st as the Cardinal head into the toughest stretch of their season trying to hold on that coveted fourth spot.   Takeaways From Ireton vs McNamara   When the Mustangs big three are clicking they are nearly impossible to beat. [gallery ids="25688,25687,25686"] Jakia Brown-Turner, Aliyah Matharu and Madison Scott combined for 57 of the Mustangs 73 points. This is one of the few games where all three had player of the game performances at the same time. If they can keep the comrade together and clicking they probably won't lose again this season.   Akunna Konkwo is a first teamer. [caption id="attachment_25689" align="alignnone" width="150"] Akuna Konkwo[/caption] Akuna Konkwo is a double-double machine. She had a game high 32 points and 22 rebounds in the game. At times she was literally unstoppable. The thing is this is typical for the Boston College signee who many felt got snubbed for first team honors last season. If she can keep up the play and turn the production into a few more wins there is no way she can be denied this season.   The Cardinal need more production from other players. [gallery ids="25690,25691,25692"]   Take away Konkwo and Ireton score finished with 20 points but, had only 8 points through the first three quarters. They are missing star Laila Jewett (knee) who hopefully will be making her return soon but, have enough talent to produce with Kennedy Clifton and Samantha Shackleford capable of putting up big numbers. Sole Carroll (9 points) was second in scoring and is proving that she can be a go to option when Konkwo faces her typical double and sometimes triple teams.   McNamara has division one underclassmen that should keep them amongst the top teams for several years. [gallery ids="25693,25694,25695,25696"] Taylor Gibson is shooting at a very high percentage she has the body and size to play at a major D1 program. Hope Evans is a defensive terror, showing once again that she is very disruptive to ball handlers. Liatu King is one of the best athletes and rebounders in the area. Yonta Vaughn is a great long range shooter. Props to these players for their unselfishness as each one shows the ability to lead and carry a team on their shoulders if you pay attention.   Fourth place is a lock....maybe   Bishop Ireton at fourth place has beaten every team under them in the rankings (O'Connell, Seton, Holy Cross, Carroll, Good Counsel, Ryken) and have lost to the teams ahead of them (SJC, BMac, PVI). Even if they maintain the status quo, they will secure fourth place, a first round bye and a favorable matchup to advance to the semi's. At that point anything can happen.   <ul> <li>PGH would like to congratulate Jakia Brown-Turner for her McDonald's All-American selection.</li> </ul>