3A Metro League Semifinal Recap
Garfield vs. Seattle Prep Despite the Lady Bulldogs’ having two senior talented wings Meghan Fiso and Dalayah Daniels both committed to play college basketball. Fiso heading to Michigan, Daniels who was named McDonald’s All-American heading to California the dominate pair…
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Continue ReadingGarfield vs. Seattle Prep
Despite the Lady Bulldogs’ having two senior talented wings Meghan Fiso and Dalayah Daniels both committed to play college basketball. Fiso heading to Michigan, Daniels who was named McDonald’s All-American heading to California the dominate pair look to advance toward a Metro League championship game.
Seattle Prep Lady Panthers refused to go away, whether it was Emily Metro hitting shots and free throws to Tamia Stricklin making the right plays putting herself and teammates in position to score. The duo played hard on both offense, and defense forcing turnovers no matter score, or time left.
Daniels would remind defenders why she was selected as a McDonald’s All-American. Proving the spark her team needed from 7-0 scoring runs, rebounding and rim running. Kira Wood and Navaeh Talbert helped navigate offensively also hitting shots when called up giving Garfield a slight edge.
Garfield would go on to win 49-44 even with a fighting finish from Seattle Prep, this earns them a rematch against Eastside Catholic Friday for the Metro League title.
Eastside Catholic vs. Franklin
Lady Crusaders’ team is full of youth with nothing but freshman and sophomores. Regardless of youth their core four Malia Samuels, Imbie Jones, Mjracle Sheppard and Zahriah “ZaZa” Walton are a force to be reckoned with.
Samuels quick speed, high IQ, and ability to score when necessary is dangerous for opponents. Jones inside presence and scoring around the rim with or without contact is top tier. Sheppard has the ability to defend multiple positions, play with a high motor and score in transition at a high level. Walton is a threat inside and out on the offensive end, great handle followed by great pace nothing is forced.
Despite this core four’s great skillset, the Lady Quaker’s did not back down regardless of score or time, Shaunice Reed and Mya Jones of Franklin rose to every challenge.
From Jones knocking down shots inside and out while making free throws whenever being sent to the line, rebounded really well and passed the ball ahead without hesitation. Jones aggression level picked up as the game went on and she wasn’t afraid of the moment.
Reed, who is a high-level scorer managed to handle the pressure well with her great handle and ability to hit difficult shots regardless of where she is on the floor. Although being double-teamed rather than do it herself she found her teammates instead.
Even with Reed and Jones mounting a comeback for Franklin, Eastside Catholic would ultimately win 63-44. They will play Garfield Friday looking to go 2-0 against them and be crowned Metro League champions.