Bad Boy Classic: Mt. Vernon vs Mammoth Springs

Here's the second game of the Bad Boy Classic that I was able to evaluate. This was a hard-fought game with Mammoth Springs pulling away in the 4th quarter for the win 59-50. Let's look at some of the players that stood out and played well for their team in this contest. <strong>Dessi McCarty | Post | Mt. Vernon High School</strong> Dessi was a dominant force in the game vs Mammoth Springs. She scored in a variety of ways. Dessi was effective from the low block by scoring over either shoulder. She scored off offensive rebounds and putbacks. She showed her ball-handling ability by getting to the rim and she knocked down some spot-up three-pointers. She was definitely a handful for her opponent during this game. There were several possessions she would be surrounded by several defenders on the catch. Defensively she tried to control the paint by forcing the offense to have to shoot over her and limit their second chances by securing the defensive rebound. <strong>Marlee Raby | Guard | Mt. Vernon High School</strong> Marlee showed she could push the ball in transition and use her ability to change directions to get to the rim. In the half-court, she was a playmaker for her team. She would constantly attack off the bounce to attract additional defenders to free up her teammates for an open shot. If her pass didn't lead to a shot it would then lead to another drive and playmaking opportunity for a teammate. Defensively she applied good on-ball pressure. Often keeping the ball handler in front of her and not allowing them to turn the corner easily to get to the rim. Marlee also rebounded the ball well for a guard. <strong>AJ Person | Guard | Mt. Vernon High School</strong> AJ showed she can play with and without the ball. There were times when she slid over to the point and other times when she played on the wing. When she was on the wing and playing without the ball you have to be aware of where she is at all times. She was able to free herself against the defense and hit two open three-pointers vs the zone. AJ also did a good job of pass faking to shift the defense to deliver on-target passes to teammates. When AJ had the ball in her hands she was good at attacking off the dribble and finding the open teammate for the catch and shoot three-pointer. <strong>Brynn Washam | Guard | Mammoth Springs High School</strong> Brynn is a threat from behind the arc. During the second half of the game, she really got comfortable and got things going offensively. The defense lost track of her in the half-court and during transition and Brynn was able to capitalize on their mistake by knocking down two open three-pointers. In the half-court, she moved well without the ball. She always tried to find open areas in the defense she could go to make plays. When she cut to the basket, she would cut with the intent to score. After she hit a couple of three-pointers the defense would come out to deny she would cut backdoor to receive a pass for the easy layup. <strong>Tay Davis | Guard | Mammoth Springs High School</strong> Tay showed she could push the ball in transition. Her vision, ball handling, and ability to pass allowed her to make the right play on the fastbreak. She would make on-target passes to teammates for the easy finish. In the half-court, she was also effective. She hurt the defense by being able to put the ball on the floor off the catch effectively. This made her difficult to guard because she was always a threat to make plays off the dribble. Defensively she caused disruption with her active hands. <strong>Megyn Upton | Forward | Mammoth Springs High School</strong> Megyn didn't try to overdo it or force anything during this game. She played hard on both ends of the floor. Offensively she didn't try to do too much. She showed she can finish in transition even if there is contact. In the half-court, she was in constant motion. After her pass she would cut looking to receive the pass back for the score. When Megyn did have the ball around the rim she would finish with good footwork and a soft touch. <strong>Sara Crowe | Post | Mammoth Springs High School</strong> Sara is a post player that played with a lot of patience on the low block. She never allowed the pressure from the defense to force her to play at a speed she didn't want to play. She had a soft touch around the basket, could finish with either hand, and also displayed good footwork. Sara did a good job of working the high low. She would catch the defending post player standing up and she would duck in strong which put her in position to draw fouls. Once on the line, she would knock down her free throws with good form and technique. Sara could also work out of the high post. She would often catch and make passes to teammates on cuts.