Fudd Explodes for 32 In Title Game: What Does This Mean For The WCAC?

In front of a crowd size that many college teams would wish for, St. John's College (Washington D.C.) had their third and final meeting of the year against Bishop McNamara (Forestville, MD).  This was the expected matchup when before the season started and with the Cadets winning the previous two games by a total of five points and one game going into overtime, no one really knew what the outcome would be. &nbsp; The Mustangs started the game on fire with a bucket by <strong>Aliyah Matharu</strong> and a three by the McDonald's All American <strong>Jakia Brown-Turner</strong>.  The Cadets answered with a three pointer by <strong>Carly Rivera</strong> but the Mustangs came right back with a bucket by Madison Scott forcing a SJC timeout.  The Mustangs continued to balance out the scoring in the first half and freshman Yonta Vaughn hit a three and got an immediate steal and a bucket to get the Mustang fans up on their feet.  Unfortunately, they woke up <strong>Azzi Fudd</strong> who scored 20 straight points for the Cadets to head into the break up 25-23. &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_30220" align="alignleft" width="150"] Alex Cowan[/caption] For the Cadets the third quarter belonged to <strong>Malu Tshitenge-Mutumbo</strong> who scored 8 of her 13 in the period and Alex Cohen who finished with 15 points.  The score was tied 40-40 to start the fourth quarter and it was still anyone's game.  It looked like McNamara was about to pull away with the game twice in the second half leading 32-24 midway in the third quarter and 47-41 at some point in the fourth after a three pointer by <strong>Christina McPhail</strong>.  In the end the Mustangs fell apart with three starts nursing four fouls in a 28-11 run in the final for a 66-51 victory and their second straight WCAC Conference Championship. &nbsp; <span style="color: #0000ff;text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>What Does This Mean For The WCAC?</strong></span></span> &nbsp; <span style="color: #800000"><strong>1) St. John's will probably win four straight conference titles.</strong></span> &nbsp; No disrespect to other players on the floor but, in the point of <strong>Azzi Fudd's</strong> 20 straight point run against one of the nations top teams, it is obvious that SJC can put her on the court with any four players and win.  With the senior heavy WCAC Fudd and the Cadets will have free reign over the conference for the next couple of seasons. [caption id="attachment_30211" align="alignnone" width="150"] Azzi Fudd[/caption] &nbsp; <span style="color: #800000"><strong>2) Rematch for 2019-20 season is very likely.</strong></span> &nbsp; McNamara loses two first team all conference players to graduation.  They, however, return two exceptional second teamers in <strong>Madison Scott</strong> and <strong>Liatu King</strong>.  The Mustangs also have starting freshman <strong>Yonta Vaughn</strong> returning and will have arguably the deepest front court with a pair of 6'3"s in <strong>Taylor Gibson</strong> and <strong>Kayla Thomas</strong> returning.  They should come in next season as the front runners to meet SJC again. [caption id="attachment_30217" align="alignnone" width="150"] Yonta Vaughn[/caption] &nbsp; <span style="color: #800000"><strong>3) Carly Rivera has been the most underrated player of the year.</strong></span> &nbsp; <strong>Carly Rivera's</strong> contributions don't always show up on the score sheet but she is the fuel that gets the machine going.  She consistently makes timely plays whether a three pointer, steal or assist that gets the Cadets over the hump in key moments. [caption id="attachment_30212" align="alignnone" width="150"] Carly Rivera[/caption] &nbsp; <span style="color: #800000"><strong>4) Liatu King is the second most underrated player of the year.</strong></span> &nbsp; <strong>Liatu King</strong> quietly makes play after play.  She has a knack for grabbing offensive boards and finishing over players much taller than her.  She has a really good touch from the midrange and defends both the perimeter and the post. [caption id="attachment_30215" align="alignnone" width="150"] Liatu King[/caption] &nbsp; <span style="color: #800000"><strong>5) The WCAC will be a "small ball" conference for the foreseeable future.</strong></span> &nbsp; With the graduation of it's two marquee bigs in <strong>Malu Tshitenge-Mutumbo</strong> and <strong>Akuna Konkwo</strong> the WCAC will be left with only a handful of true go to centers that can control a game.  With that being said the future of the league will be dominated but guard and wing play and it will be a new look going forward. [caption id="attachment_30213" align="alignnone" width="150"] Malu Tshitenge-Mutumbo[/caption]