5 Takeaways: Bishop Lynch vs John Paul II
I was treated to a thrilling matchup between the Bishop Lynch Friars and John Paul II Cardinals on Saturday night. This was a competitive game from start to finish, with each team going blow for blow throughout all four quarters.…
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Continue ReadingI was treated to a thrilling matchup between the Bishop Lynch Friars and John Paul II Cardinals on Saturday night. This was a competitive game from start to finish, with each team going blow for blow throughout all four quarters. Bishop Lynch was down two points with less than six seconds remaining in the contest, but they were unable to get the game-tying bucket to go and ultimately ended up falling to a talented JPII squad by a score of 45-43.
Here are five takeaways from the game:
JPII Has Offensive Weapons on All Three Levels
The Cardinals can attack you in so many ways offensively. Their diversity on that side of the ball can often overwhelm opposing teams. Nevaeh Tot can distribute the ball with the best of them while also getting her own from three as well as on the drive or via mid-range. Kate Valle can handle the ball out on the wing and drill the triple, and Nevaeh Parkinson commands a double team whenever she touches the rock in the paint and is smart enough to find open players on the perimeter when she doesn’t have a good look down low. Additionally, their entire roster is filled with solid free throw shooters who are not shaken at the line when the game is on the line.
Nevaeh Tot is Going to Be a Force at the Next Level
Tot practically played a perfect game vs. BL. She is a stud floor general who can do it all at a high level. The senior point guard shoots the three at a high clip but can also do a ton of damage with her step back and side-step game from mid-range, which she successfully utilized several times during this matchup. Her scoring ability is remarkable. However, I was most impressed with her willingness to be a facilitator, always making the right decision. She never gets tunnel vision and consistently finds her teammates when they are left uncovered. Furthermore, she is a great ball handler with a ton of speed and shiftiness. I truly believe the Oklahoma commit is going to be an impact player the second she steps on campus next semester.
Madison Cockrell and Paige Bradley are Stellar Performers
Cockrell and Bradley are an excellent one-two punch offensively for the Friars. Both prospects handle the rock with confidence and can attack you from mid-range with their pull-up jumpers that are silky smooth. They also displayed the ability to make some advanced cross court passes to their teammates and have unselfish attitudes when it comes to moving the ball. Neither one of them is a senior, making their performance all the more impressive. Bishop Lynch is going to be a good team in the coming years thanks in large part to these two.
Bishop Lynch Will Be a Problem for Opponents Next Season
The Friars top three players all have at least one more year left of high school ball, and I think they are going to be even better next year with another season under their belts. In Addition to Cockrell and Bradley, Talia DePetrillo is a really nice player. She is a pass-first point guard who can also get her own with a solid floater and three-ball in her arsenal. Their unselfish style of play is going to give opponents a tough time this year as well as in the future.
John Paul II is a Threat to Win it All
JPII handled business at home vs. Bishop Lynch, edging out a two-point victory. They have a variety of scoring options who can put up points in a number of ways. The Cardinals are also a scrappy defensive team. Parkinson is one of the better rim protectors I’ve seen this season, and all their guards and wings can hold their own out on the perimeter. Their lethal combination of size, speed, and skill is going to make them a tough out when the postseason rolls around.