5 Takeaways from Manvel @ Hightower
The stage has been set and defending R-3 representative Hightower has got to be eyeing their trip to Shadow Creek on 2/11 as this could set the stage for not only a district tie as well as playoff seedings for…
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Continue ReadingThe stage has been set and defending R-3 representative Hightower has got to be eyeing their trip to Shadow Creek on 2/11 as this could set the stage for not only a district tie as well as playoff seedings for the easiest route to the 5A regionals but let’s back it up. Hightower lost to Shadow Creek last week and are one game behind in district play however PGH Top 100 seniors Taelour Purvis (Houston) and Zaria Johnson (Virginia) were out for the game as well as super sophomore A’Leah Franklin and the trio was also out for this one however all could be available the next time around. In spite of those three starters being out, the Hurricanes assured themselves of at least a second-place finish with their win over the Manvel Mavericks and here are my TAKEAWAYS
Destini Lombard more than a highlight waiting to happen
Destini Lombard and Jade MillerThe LSU signee has been consistently giving me highlight shots since her freshman season but watching her expand her game from just a player that defied gravity on her acrobatic lay-ups thus securing herself as an “and one” waiting to happen, her extended range as well as defense not to mention rebounding has continued to not only evolve but explode
Hightower’s seniors
Morgan Strawder with her athleticism and energy, not to mention showing she could drop the long ball, as well as the inside play from both Victoria Chidomere and Daisy Chukwu, were definitely among the reasons Hightower won the game but helped withstand several furious comebacks from the Mavericks. Lombard, Purvis, and Johnson are definitely the main reasons they could make a run but the other seniors will definitely play a role
Hightower’s supporting cast
Jada Grisby and Shontel Miles both left me speechless a few times, they got after it and threw out that “it’s better to give than receive” cliche as they did both, especially on the inside. Rebounding, finishing with power and just showing effort, which is something you can’t teach, not to leave out desire because they battled on both ends of the court all game
Manvel’s backcourt
Jordyn Marshall and Jade Miller are among the best sophomore guards in the area, Marshall’s range has gotten deeper and she dropped a few long ones to solidify her PGH spot. Miller, also can shoot it, she had 3 from deep as well as 6 steals but her man-up defense baseline to baseline was equally impressive. Freshman Kaia Henry showed me a lot during a fall league and even more as I saw enough to add her to the freshmen Watch List next time around. She’s explosive, off the dribble or dropping the mid to long-range
Manvel’s supporting cast
Ashlynn Freeman surrounded by HurricanesAshlynn Freeman stands at “the magic number” and her constant effort on the inside has always grabbed my attention because she’s an athletic terror but she isn’t the only one as Milan Jackson waited until I sat down to give what would’ve been the block of the game. Her length and athleticism is used over and over, her timing is among the best in the area and she defends. Daniela Perdomo can shoot the three-ball, always has and the senior trio help this squad make some noise in the playoffs