4A Regional Championship Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Regional Championships were held this weekend with the final 4 of each level 1A-4A competing for a chance to play in the state championship game on Saturday.&nbsp; For 4A, the Western Region saw a phenomenal matchup between Lake Norman and Charlotte Catholic while the Eastern Region saw a tough game between Hillside and Panther Creek.&nbsp; Ultimately, the Lake Norman Wildcats will take on the Catamounts of Panther Creek as they punched their ticket to the state championship game.&nbsp; Let's take a look at the standouts from each game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are starting with the East.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["288420"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eSamiyah Barker is a shifty ball handler using between the leg dribbles and crossovers to get by her opponents.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe hustles back on defense even stepping in the way to draw a charge on a fast break gaining another possession.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe was constantly reading what her opponents were going to do on offense getting her hands in the way.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe followed shots even getting some points off offensive rebounds.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe made some nice passes up the court finding the outstretched hands of her teams on fast breaks.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe took advantage of space around the perimeter knocking down her shot from deep.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["607895"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eLia Anderson did a nice job moving from block to block to get the entry pass.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe uses every bit of her length to go up high getting the ball whether she is getting a pass or rebound.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe stays ready for the pass on fast breaks to score some points.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eEven when it seemed like the play was broken down, Anderson would find a way to get the ball through the hoop on offense.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["326206"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eTaylor Barner continued to show why she is one of the best ball handlers in the state.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe is quick to take advantage of her defenders being even a half step off as she blows by them putting up floaters in the paint.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe attacks the basket drawing fouls from her opponents.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe facilitates offensive sets making sure her teammates know where to go, and she certainly knows how to take matters into her own hands to get some points finishing at the rim or pulling up for her shot anywhere.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["389288"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eOlivia Tucker did a nice job penetrating the defense making them shift to find her open teammates for some points.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe pushed the ball up the court getting the pass as an outlet and using her quickness with the ball to get it to the other end finding ways to get some points for her team.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe was persistent getting the ball through the hoop following shots for offensive rebounds.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe showed off a nice spin move in the paint to pull up for some points.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["275969"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eMadisyn Jordan showed off her stroke from deep.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe was a nuisance on the press for the Catamounts jumping into passing lanes and pushing it the other direction.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eAs a shooting guard, she has nice height that she uses to get inside for rebounds and to put her hands in the face of her opponents trying to score a bucket.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64066559b66ab"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The frontcourt for the Catamounts was critical for their victory, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["563337"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":610561,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eKirstin Smalls was a strong presence in the paint keeping her opponents in front of her so they couldn't get the best entry pass on the block.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe was making effective cuts to the block to get some points off a pass.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe showed off her midrange jumper stepping outside the paint to get some points, too.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["207414"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eAmira Ofunniyin was excellent on the boards getting rebounds for her team on both ends of the court.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe did a nice job stepping outside for the pass and finding her open teammate cutting to the block to get her the pass and some points.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe uses her body well to protect the basket and move her defenders out of the way to get some points.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64066559b6801"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, lets' check out the West.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arguably the best frontcourt in the state continued to show why they are so impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["253883"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":610563,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eBlanca Thomas continued to have a strong inside presence scoring off offensive rebounds and converting from the free throw line.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe was constantly causing problems for her opponents being able to grab rebounds no matter where the ball was coming down.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe battled through contact for her points making some old fashioned three point plays.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["326208"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eGracynn Gough came out firing making some nice shots from deep scoring the first six points.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe does a nice job sealing off her defenders making it easier to get the pass to her and score some points inside.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eHer power dribbles are so effective getting some space to bank in her shot.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe battled contact working hard for her points leaving it all out on the court.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["158279"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_player_featured_image":610565,"_player_evaluations_2_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eAniyah Scales knocked down her shot from deep on multiple occasions making sure her opponents knew not to leave her open around the perimeter.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe hit back to back three pointers in the third quarter giving her team some life closing the gap.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe followed shots getting inside for rebounds and even showed some strength battling post players in the paint.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["252862"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":610566,"_player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eOlivia Fava is an excellent ball handler, and she's a feisty defender.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe strips the ball from her opponents and slides into the trap perfectly.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe had a tough drive getting two points to begin the second half bringing some life to her team, and going right down the court stripping the ball from her opponent.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe had another fast break layup tying the game up in the fourth quarter keeping her team in the game.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["331368"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_player_featured_image":610571,"_player_evaluations_4_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eAlexis Shehan came out of a timeout scoring a midrange jumper off a roll scoring when her team needed it most.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe drives hard to the basket making a nice shot in the paint with hands all around her.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe hustled back on offense grabbing the boards and using that for her own points banking it in for two.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe was critical being patient waiting for her lane to open up and attack the basket.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["288422"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":610569,"_player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eSamantha Shehan had a nice crossover to get some space and knocked down the three pointer taking the first lead for the Wildcats.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eHer quick release continues to be difficult for opponents to defend.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe runs the floor well being ready for the pass and bucket on fast breaks.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe knew how to take advantage of her opponent by attacking the basket when foul trouble was on the line.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["288423"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_player_featured_image":517374,"_player_evaluations_6_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eAddison Sirianni continued to show off her defense grabbing steals and pushing it up the court.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003ePlaying against a tough frontcourt, she slid into help positions at the perfect time to stall the post players underneath the basket.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe's aggressive handling the ball pushing the tempo or settling down her team when needed.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["457411"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eKelsey Rhyne has a finesse finishing at the rim knowing how to adjust her body to get the ball through the hoop.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eHer handles protect the possession on her way to the basket.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe's tough on the other end making sure her opponents work for their points against her as she slides in front of them.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":8,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64066559b6b46"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saving the best for last as [player_tooltip player_id='254584' first='Kirsten' last='Lewis-Williams'] continues to earn my vote for most valuable player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["254584"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":610581,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='254584' first='Kirsten' last='Lewis-Williams'] attacked the basket making some old fashioned three point plays to begin the scoring for the Wildcats.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe had back to back three point plays bringing her team right back into the game.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe had a nice block in the paint grabbing the steal and taking it all the way herself with a nice finish at the rim.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe finds her open teammates cutting up the court on fast breaks for their points.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eShe reads the floor so well knowing when to take it all the way or pull up for her shot.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64066559b6c11"} /-->