Takeaways from 695Hoops Fall League: Day 1
Howard Came to Play In this match-up between Howard High School and Archbishop Spalding High School, 60-43, Howard established an early lead with their quick guard play and all-around good shooting. Though Spalding proved to be a formidable opponent for…
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Continue ReadingHoward Came to Play
In this match-up between Howard High School and Archbishop Spalding High School, 60-43, Howard established an early lead with their quick guard play and all-around good shooting. Though Spalding proved to be a formidable opponent for Howard with their strong post presence, it proved not to be enough this time.
Howard was led by a dynamic duo: Marisa Sanchez-Henry (21) and Anii Harris (4)—both senior guards for Howard and teammates on the AAU team, Power Move. Sanchez-Henry, a commit to Wagner College, finished with 14 points, as did Harris, a commit to Salem University. It is clear these two have played many games together, as they seem to anticipate the other’s moves on the court. They were leaders in directing Howard’s fast paced offense and fast break conversions. Sanchez-Henry showed her skill with her offensive creativity to the hoop, and Harris her hustle as she frequently dove to the floor for loose balls.
Though Howard’s offense runs through their two senior guards, junior Emily Durkee (35), proved a valuable contributor with her strong shooting, quick hands, and scrappy defending, finishing with 5 points. Forward sophomore, Gabby Scott (25), was a frequent target for passes from her guards, holding her own in the paint against Spalding’s dominant post players, finishing with 9 points. Though Spalding did not have a true answer for Howard’s dominant forward sisters, Koi Sims (23) and Kamari Sims (24), who had a combined 30 points, Howard’s machine gun offense and quick guard play led them to victory.
Don’t Count Out Coppin
Coppin High School reminded us in their 55-51 victory over Meade High School, that you don’t have to play pretty basketball to play winning basketball. Both teams played a physical, hustle driven style of play, but in the end Coppin came out on top despite a few close whistles driving this game down to the wire.
Coppin showed their talent in the post, especially from senior, Kayla Henderson (1), who dominated the on both ends of the floor, scoring 19 points. Sophomore teammate, Ahniya Tillery (6), who despite ending with 3 points, played aggressive defense which proved decisive in Coppin’s close victory. Coppin forward, junior Nyshae Weaver (4), aggravated Meade on both ends of the floor, setting a scrappy tone which was followed by the rest of her teammates.
Though Coppin slipped by Meade victoriously, be sure that this tough-minded squad will surprise many teams down the road.
Pikesville Panthers are Powerful Predators
Pikesville High School proved they came to play, dominating Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, 34-10. The Panthers dominated from the start, outscoring Wise 11-4 in the first quarter alone. With their quick guard-play and sizable presence inside, Pikesville showed both their ability to successfully execute set offenses as well as their ability to capitalize on their many forced turnovers, turning them into buckets.
Led by forward Charia Roberts (23), a Loyola University commit, Pikesville showed it’s dominance in the paint. Roberts set an aggressive tone with her powerful defense, rebounding, and blocks. It is clear she is a leader on and off the court for this team, finishing with 13 points despite limited playing time. Roberts was supported by uncommitted senior guard, Tyra Robinson, #12, who despite having only 2 points, steered the offense with her solid ball handling skills. Pikesville will be a force to be reckoned with for their opponents in this league.