Andover v. Dracut: Foley’s Fort

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Thursday night, I saw a matchup between two top 15 teams in the MIAA. The #12 ranked Dracut High hosted #3 Andover High in a battle between excellent defensive teams. Andover collected the road victory 56-43, which took a big-time defensive effort in the third quarter led by a ’23 top 20 prospect to break the game open. Below are Thursday’s standouts. </span> &nbsp; <strong>Player of the Game:</strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-373255" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/01/F0143979-4607-4E46-8391-7E54C2136525-scaled-crop-1920x1261-1641589751-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="184004" first="Anna" last="Foley"] - Andover - 6’2’’ - PF - ’23</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">It wasn’t Foley’s 20 points or wearing out the defense with her countless second and third chance scoring opportunities that solidified her "Player of the Game" honor. She completely shifted the momentum of Thursday night’s game with her defensive activity in the high post, and a 3 point halftime deficit turned into a 38-27 Andover lead heading into the 4th. This was primarily due to Foley’s disruption, anticipation, and not letting Dracut do what they wanted to do on offense. Foley’s steals led to transition points, protected the rim well with loud weak side rejections, and is a confident ball-handler for a power forward. Foley is having top 10 level impact for an Andover team that is rolling this season. </span> <strong>Andover Standouts: </strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="184016" first="Amelia" last="Hanscom"] - 5’11’’ - SG/SF - ’23</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Hanscom was difficult to defend because she is as strong as an ox and could bully defenders to the basket at will. Hanscom is not the fastest or most athletic wing but is tactical when slashing from the wing. Her change of speed and direction in the halfcourt and transition helped freeze defenders leading to successful possessions on offense. Hanscom’s 15 points were second on the team, and she saw the floor well in the open court, too. </span> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="373109" first="Marissa" last="Kobelski"] - 5’11’’ - SF - ’23</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">I like how Kobelski fits in with the Andover personnel and style of play. She is a big combo forward who has the versatility and athleticism to be a significant impact on defense. Her activity in the second half didn’t go unnoticed, and she does a lot of little things that contribute to Andover’s momentum-shifting runs. Kobelski also ran the floor well Thursday night and got ahead of the defense to give her team some scoring punch on the break. She finished with 7 points. </span> &nbsp; <strong>Dracut Standouts: </strong> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-373260" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/09/IMG_0298-scaled-crop-1707x1121-1641590092-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="267178" first="Ashlee" last="Talbot"] - 5’6’’ - PG - ’23</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Talbot led Dracut with 14 points and did the majority of her damage from behind the arc. Her outside shot looks quicker and more confident by the game. Talbot’s shooting puts pressure on the defense and opens up driving lanes so she can be a dynamic playmaker and slash in the halfcourt. I also liked how Talbot set the tone early in the game on defense with a couple of charges that energized her team. </span> &nbsp; <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-373263" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/05/26741216_Unknown-crop-1112x730-1641590129-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="267155" first="Brodie" last="Gannon"] - 5’8’’ - SG - ’23</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Gannon ended the game in double figures with 10 points and showed what kind of two-way impact she can have on a game. She can force rushed passes and turnovers in the trap press and is an excellent catch and shoot jump-shooter. Gannon’s quick release and ability to stretch the floor when teams go zone gives Dracut a reliable outside option on ball reversals and skip passes.</span> &nbsp;