10 Best: Center Point-Urbana vs. Waverly-Shell Rock
The top game on a light Thursday slate was the matchup between two top 10 programs in 4A as you had Center Point-Urbana traveling to take on Waverly-Shell Rock. It was a slow start to the game as the halftime score was 22-14 in favor of the hosts. Center Point-Urbana’s press really hurt Waverly-Shell Rock early in the third as they used it and created points off turnovers. They went on an 11-1 run to open the period to take the lead before Waverly-Shell Rock took back over.
Center Point-Urbana kept crawling back in the game, however, and after a corner three from senior Adrianna Katcher, the game was tied at 34-all with under five minutes to play. It would stay that way as the teams traded turnovers until senior Britney Young converted a 3-point play with 3:28 to play. A corner 3-pointer the following trip down the floor by senior Peyton Kriegel would tie it back up with 3:12 left in the game. After a Waverly-Shell Rock free throw, Katcher would put the away team in front on a basket and would add a free throw with 1:20 left to give Center Point-Urbana the 40-38 lead. That would be the final point of the game as Center Point-Urbana held Waverly-Shell Rock to no points in the final 2 minutes of the game. You can view the 10 Best from the game below.
MVP: Adrianna Katcher (Center Point-Urbana)
Katcher struggled shooting the ball in the game but she made shots when it counted as she hit the shot to put her team on top and then a free throw to put her team up by two. Katcher shot just 25% from the floor and ended the game with 11 points. She was instrumental on the defensive end, however, and was able to keep her man at bay. A really solid all-around game for her even when she wasn’t at her best.
Best Offensive Player: Abbie Draper (Waverly-Shell Rock)
Draper was 6-for-10 from the floor in the game and really spurred her team as she was looking to score on every touch. She finished the game with 15 points and eight rebounds but also added in two assists. She did foul out late in the game but overall she was the best offensive player in the game. She was just 3-of-8 from the free-throw line in the game but her ability to score at the rim kept Waverly-Shell Rock in the game.
Best Defensive Player: Ryley Goebel (Center Point-Urbana)
From the start of her freshman year, Goebel’s calling card has been her defense. Now in her sophomore year, that defensive aggression has carried over and she continues to be a thorn in the side of opposing teams. Goebel had three steals in the game, which is on the low end for her. She also had four blocks in the game at the rim. Goebel added in nine rebounds as well to cement herself defensively.
Best Passer: Camryn Grawe (Waverly-Shell Rock)
Grawe was excellent at finding open teammates as she dished off five assists. She has a very high basketball IQ and has the ability to pass her teammates open. I thought that she was a key piece for Waverly-Shell Rock with her ability to pass and control the ball. She’s going to be a paramount piece for them this year.
Best Shooter: Britney Young (Waverly-Shell Rock)
Young knocked down 3-of-5 from behind the arc and all of them came at huge times in the game. She finished with 12 points in the game but her shooting ability really stood out. Young has a smooth looking jumper from the arc and it was working for her this evening. A big game from her at home.
Best Intangibles: Bryn Hadsall (Center Point-Urbana)
Hadsall’s stat line would strike you as her having a bad game as she went 0-of-3 from the floor and added in 3 rebounds. But she did exactly what her team needed from the point guard spot. She plays the game hard, gets herself in good spots on the floor, and is a leader out on the court. She’s a really solid point guard who doesn’t make a ton of mistakes.
Best Non-Starter: Trinidee Moore (Waverly-Shell Rock)
Moore came off the bench and immediately made an impact. She scored four points off the bench but also played solid defense and facilitated the ball well. Moore is someone you can rely on with the ball in her hands as she makes good decisions with it. I really liked how poised she was under pressure as Center Point-Urbana threw a press at her.
Best Underclassman: Laine Hadsall (Center Point-Urbana)
Hadsall was impressive because of her aggressiveness off of the bench she looked to score the ball when she got it and knocked down a 3-pointer. She is a solid shooter off the catch and as she continues to get more comfortable with the high school game she should be able to take off. Hadsall was very impressive as she was definitely understanding of her role and what she was supposed to do on the floor.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance: Peyton Kriegel (Center Point-Urbana)
Kriegel hit a big 3-pointer to tie the game up for Center Point-Urbana late in the game and that was the only shot that she hit. She proved to be the ultimate competitor in the game as she was continually getting to the loose balls and getting the offense going. She had two assists and two steals in the game as well and played a bigger role in the win than most would think.
Best Intriguing Prospect Not Mentioned: Emma DeSmet (Center Point-Urbana)
DeSmet is a 5’11 wing who didn’t play a ton but is a prospect because of her size and length. She has a lot of mobility and her length forces opponents to change their shot. DeSmet was active on the floor and was able to lock her man down on the defensive end. It will be fun to see how she grows this season.