5 Takeaways: Princess Anne vs. Kempsville
One of the most anticipated matchups of the season happened last night. The Lady Cavaliers of Princess Anne made the trip to Kempsville, to take on the previously undefeated Lady Chiefs. In a game that featured two of the best…
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Continue ReadingOne of the most anticipated matchups of the season happened last night. The Lady Cavaliers of Princess Anne made the trip to Kempsville, to take on the previously undefeated Lady Chiefs. In a game that featured two of the best teams, and several of the best athletes, here are my five takeaways from Princess Anne’s 97-44 victory, to remain the top team in the area.
Aziaha James is the REAL deal.
Sophomore guard Aziaha James led all scorers with a stat line of 33 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Currently ranked #24 in her class, in the state, James can certainly expect this to rise in the near future. James high basketball IQ is no surprise, as she averaged 35ppg in middle school, and came to Princess Anne and immediately saw time on the varsity squad as a freshman, where she averaged 13ppg. As James continues to mature, her role on an already stacked squad has too begin to change. Aziaha has led the Lady Cavaliers in scoring in several outings to date this season, including their lone loss against New Hope. James already holds several Division I offers, including James Madison and Old Dominion, and has the interest of several other Division I programs.
Talk is Cheap…
The Kempsville Lady Chiefs entered Friday’s game with undefeated record. Something to be very proud of, but not when facing the Princess Anne Lady Cavaliers. When asked what fueled the 53 point win, it was very simple for many of the Lady Cavs, shock. From sophomore guard James, to senior guard Mahogany Lester, who finished with a double double (19 points and 12 rebounds), it is simple, “talk is cheap.” And the hype of social media that led up to Friday’s big win really gave the Lady Cavs all the motivation they needed as four of the five starters scored in double digits. As for talking trash to these ladies.. just a bit of advice from James and her squad, “don’t.”
Underrated, but Understand.
Senior Forward, Mahogany Lester, who as previously mentioned finished the game with a double, double. Lester has found herself as the glue of this Princess Anne squad. And rightfully so. She does it all for the Lady Cavs, as she also finished with seven assists and five blocks. Whether on the offensive end, putting the ball in the basket, as she sparked a 26-3 run for the Lady Cavaliers, or the defensive end, where her size puts her at an advantage of most she is matched up against, Lester doesn’t always get the shine she deserves, but it does not go unnoticed. The recent University of Maryland – Eastern Shore commit is a steal on the next level, and expect her to continue to do what she has to, to lead Princess Anne to another state championship.
Loss the Battle, Win the War.
The Kempsville Lady Chiefs have nothing to hang their heads about. They have dominated literally every game this season, but fell short to a conditioned, and poised Princess Anne squad. Losing their first game of the season, may just be what the Lady Chiefs needed. It is much better to lose now, and make those adjustments, considering the Lady Chiefs and Lady Cavaliers will meet at least one more time, at Princess Anne, and could possibly see each other in the playoffs. A lot can be learned by Coach Darryl Moore and his staff from last night’s game, and the Lady Chiefs should easily bounce back as they face Green Run (3-16) and Salem (10-8) before their next matchup against Princess Anne.
Dynasty Dead?
Many for years have been wondering when will Coach Darnell Dozier and the Princess Anne Girl’s Basketball dynasty die, and the answer to that question seems to be no time soon. Coach Dozier is continuously reloading, and is on the brink of his sixth state championship in a row, already holding the VHSL record for five. But not only are rings being won, players are additionally hooping at the collegiate level, as Dozier ensures his team not only plays locally, but is exposed to national level talent. With their lone loss coming from a team out of state, and big wins against teams locally, do not be surprised to see Coach Dozier and his girls with.. ANOTHER ONE.