What did we learn from the CM Riverbend Shootout?
Jonathon Denney and his staff hosted the 7th annual Riverbend tourney on 6/13-6/14. We saw that perennial powers like Incarnate Word and Civic Memorial will continue to reload not rebuild. Both schools have a strong group of returning players with…
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Continue ReadingJonathon Denney and his staff hosted the 7th annual Riverbend tourney on 6/13-6/14. We saw that perennial powers like Incarnate Word and Civic Memorial will continue to reload not rebuild. Both schools have a strong group of returning players with replacements for their seniors ready to step in and continue the strong history. We also saw that they have very good JV teams with incoming freshman looking to make their mark at that level and earn varsity minutes. Saniah Tyler from Incarnate Word and Kelbie Zupan from Civic Memorial may be hard to keep off the floor later in the year.
From our sources unfortunately it appears as if recent Northwestern commit Kaylah Rainey of Belleville East has suffered a serious knee injury that will potentially keep her out of her senior season for the Lancers. As more information comes available on her status we will update this story. In the game we evaluated against CM the Lancers showed the back court depth and quickness to cause problems for opposing teams. With B’Aunce Carter not available for this game the Lancers relied on Bryce Dowell and their full court press to slow down the host team. They will be a tough out each and every night in the Southwest Conference even if Rainey will be missing from the lineup. For CM 6 ft sophomore post player Jackalynn Woelfel has impressed the coaches with her development. If she can prove to handle the inside game it will free up Anna Hall to pick her spots and work both inside and outside.
Other traditional powers like Teutopolis and Highland showed well during the 2 day event. Jerseyville, Breese Central and Lutheran North showed why many fans think they can make a strong run this year. Alton Marquette and Piasa had a rematch of last years 2A Regional Championship game with Piasa coming out on top this time. Coach Wooley returns a strong core that should lead the Birds back to another good season.
As always the event was well run and a great atmosphere for the teams and their fans to watch some quality basketball. The event is the major fundraiser for the girls basketball program at CM and has grown into a must see shootout.