4A District 8 Semi-Finals: Central Valley Takes Down Pasco
The GSL-MCC playoff games have been highly competitive and full of college prospects for all levels. The game of the night in Eastern Washington went down between Central Valley (GSL) and Pasco (MCC). Both teams have multiple college prospects for…
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Continue ReadingThe GSL-MCC playoff games have been highly competitive and full of college prospects for all levels. The game of the night in Eastern Washington went down between Central Valley (GSL) and Pasco (MCC). Both teams have multiple college prospects for different levels, but it was ultimately Central Valley’s experience from upperclassmen that led them to a 64-56 victory over the youthful talent of Pasco.
Central Valley’s Unsigned Senior
2020 5’11 SF Michael Pitts has impressed every time I have seen her this year and she netted 14 tonight. She is reportedly still uncommitted at this stage, but certainly has the talent to play at the next level. Pitts is skilled and versatile across the board. She plays a finesse style game, but gets into the mix quite a bit as well. I could see GNAC Division 2 schools giving her a look and some NAIA and Division 3 schools recruiting her as well. Pitts is comfortable from the three line, can make her free throws and defends multiple positions.
Taija Mackey is the unsung hero of Pasco
2022 5’10 C Taija Mackey came off the bench, but she gave instant starter production whenever she was in. Her hands are as good as anyone’s I have seen in the state when it comes to snatching rebounds. She cleans up the glass really well and throws good outlet passes to start the break. Mackey finished the game with 15 points displaying a soft touch on a jump hook shot and she knocked down her free throws. She will be viewed as an undersized post in recruitment, but she has the ability to play at the next level.
Fun matchups in the backcourt
This game made for a fun matchup in the backcourt! 2022 D1 prospect Aniyah Heavens for Pasco matched up with 2021 Portland commit MJ Bruno of Central Valley. Then it was 2022 D1 prospect Mya Groce of Pasco matched up with 2020 Seattle U signee Peyton Howard. Central Valley’s guards definitely had the size advantage at 5’10 and 5’9 respectively, but the 5’6 Heavens and 5’7 Groce never backed down for a single possession, more than holding their own. It is not too often where you get to see potentially four future D1 guards on the floor at the same time, but this game provided that and did not disappoint.
Aniyah Heavens went right at MJ Bruno, who happens to be a good defender. She broke her ankles in the first quarter and scored an array of difficult shots. She would go on to finish with 12 points, but made some big baskets to keep her team in the game. Heavens does not lack confidence no matter if her shots are falling or not and that may be her best quality.
MJ Bruno is the best rebounder of this bunch. She crashed the boards extra aggressively in the second half and used her height advantage to give Central Valley extra opportunities. Bruno also showed off the ability to hit the three ball, which is an added element to her game. Central Valley even ran a few different sets for some three point looks for her. The Portland commit would go on to finish with a game high 17 points thanks to her relentless, attacking style.
Mya Groce was very impressive throughout the night. Despite being two years younger, she was very aggressive early on against a senior D1 commit. She has great footwork and skill pivoting around defenders to create shots and passing angles. Groce really handles the ball well and passes out of pressure well. A stock riser this Winter! She finished with a team-high 16 points.
Peyton Howard only finished with 6 points, but she did a great job of distributing and getting Central Valley some good looks. She handled Pasco’s pressure well and had very few turnovers. Her on the floor leadership is apparent from the point guard position and a huge reason as to why Central Valley is on an 11 game winning streak.
Pasco will take on Chiawana in a loser out game at Pasco High School.
Central Valley will play Mead in the District title game at the Toyota center in the Tri-Cities.