Fall League Recap: Standouts & More….
As the annual Sanford Pentagon Fall League concludes, I reflect on the talent who walked through those doors. It’s safe to say there is some major talent in the area. Harrisburg (9-1) would capture the league’s title narrowing out Irene-Wakonda…
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Continue ReadingAs the annual Sanford Pentagon Fall League concludes, I reflect on the talent who walked through those doors. It’s safe to say there is some major talent in the area.
Harrisburg (9-1) would capture the league’s title narrowing out Irene-Wakonda (8-2) by one game. Each team would meet twice over the short season, with Harrisburg taking both games. The only team to hand the Tigers a lost was Lincoln, who finished (6-4).
It was a nice tune up for players to stay sharp before embarking on a tough and gruesome season. Household names came out to showcase their talent and compete.
Winners: Harrisburg looked like they are in mid-season form, despite not having a full squad. The leaders of the team stood out for the most part. you could glance over and catch the 6’1 post Jeniah Ugofsky bringing the ball up the floor. Another glance you’d see 6’1 wing Aby Phipps butt down in a defensive stance, hands up in the passing lane. Then, a peak in the corner you’ll see 5’10 wing Brecli Honner going coast to coast finishing with a floater down the lane. You can tell these girls have been working on things throughout the summer.
Shannon Sokolowski #24 Irene-WakondaA Close Second: Ok, so Irene-Wakonda (Forever) wasn’t really Irene-Wakonda. Shannon Sokolowski plays like a collegiate player already. She’s the only Wakondan on the team, so obviously name it after her town. Shannon has size like a 3 but moves like a 1. At one point she drove past a defender, no look pass, ran the opposite direction and yelled “And One!” It in fact it was an “And One” to Lexi Unruh. Speaking of Lexi Unruh, who plays at Sioux Falls Christian, she has the potential to be the best player in the state. Not right now, but around the holiday season I could see D1s coming at her hard! Long, athletic, can shoot, put it on the floor and has cup game. (Cup game is when you drive to the basket, take contact and finish with a scoop and/or around the defender) Just an FYI.
Brook Brown #4 Lincoln PatriotsThe Third Wheel: SF Lincoln at times would look like the best team in the league. Their record doesn’t say that which makes them a mystery. You’ve got defense with Mya Wilson and Emma Osmundson. You’ve got scoring with Morgan Hansen and Brooke Brown. You got contributors, rebounding, bench play and more. They would have games where they put it all together. Then games where one of the pieces doesn’t fit right. That’s just basketball! I know they will be just fine. They have got a potential college starting 5 at the high school level.
Four quarters make a dollar, or two 20 minutes halves: The BV Lynx would run and gun like Nolan Richardson 40 minutes of “Hell!” However, not for the entire game. Reason being, all their thoroughbreds were not available. Some games you saw all state players Dainca Kocer and Trinity Law, then some games you don’t. The Brandon Valley town is one big family. So, they all play almost every sport for the high school, together. The all state basketball players are also cross country and track/field state champions. The backup center and 2 guard plays on the volleyball team. Don’t forget about sophomores that may contribute off the bench, who happens to make the all state softball team. Family supports each other, so when one is gone another will step up. Those “20 minutes” of Hell they showed this fall is just a preview of what’s to come.
Started from the bottom now we’re?: Both Roosevelt Rough Riders squads finished 5th and 6th in the league. Although it was a tall task, both teams had seasoned contributors mixed with some new blood. A great opportunity, especially for the players like Tariah Ambrose, Brooke Almendinger and Macey Nielson to get a chance to lead separate teams and be more vocal. Sort of like a player-coach relationship. They had to show the underclassmen how to prepare for a game, execute, compete and live with the outcome. Both teams would only have a combine 2 wins both by Team 1. Throughout league play the young Riders made strides. A glimpse of greatness would peak its head out every now and then. Expect them to improve once the official season rolls around.