Pleasant Plains vs Breese Central: 5 Key Takeaways
Pleasant Plains came into the Sectional Semi-Final game trying to erase the memory of losing in a Triple OT thriller last year to Hillsboro. This year they were able to build a first quarter lead and secure a 51-37 victory.…
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Continue ReadingPleasant Plains came into the Sectional Semi-Final game trying to erase the memory of losing in a Triple OT thriller last year to Hillsboro. This year they were able to build a first quarter lead and secure a 51-37 victory. Here are 5 key takeaways I had after watching this matchup.
- A consistent theme that you see through the post season, senior leadership matters. Plains starts Caroline Jachino, Ali Fraase, Heidi Hergenrother and Anna Kanllakan. In addition they start junior Asya Smith that has played varsity her whole high school career. More seniors come off the bench and provide the stability and experience that is critical. These girls have been through the playoff gauntlet having been in the sectionals their whole high school career. They know what to expect and expect to win.
- Breese Central is led by junior point guard Chloe Book. Chloe is very athletic and strong on the court. She does not get bothered or bumped off her path when bringing the ball up the floor. Chloe excels on defense where she uses that same quickness to stay in front of the ball handler and apply pressure. Chloe had 6 points in this game on a 3-pointer and 3 free throws. As she continues to work on her game I look for Chloe to have a very good senior season next year and set herself up to help a small college team at the next level.
- Pleasant Plains plays a great style of ball. Coach Fraase does a good job of getting the floor spaced in the half court set which allows Ali Fraase, Aysa Smith and Caroline Jachino the room to operate. All three guards are excellent at attacking the basket. Fraase is more of a pass first player but will score if the opportunity is there. Smith and Jachino are a threat from anywhere on the floor as they can and will hit the three but also love to penetrate. Smith is especially effective going to the hoop as she has a very strong lower body that allows her to take on contact but keep her balance. All three players are excellent and willing passers. This group is not selfish and is never concerned about who is scoring. The 3 man weave and the 5 out offenses that they use can put a lot of pressure on the defense to keep these players out of the lane.
- Haley Ottenschneider is a 5’6 2023 that Breese Central has had a hard time keeping off the floor this year. While she has been prone to freshman mistakes, as witnessed by her two early turnovers in this game, I believe she is the most natural scorer on the team. She is strong and tough which allows her to post up and drive on taller players. She is very comfortable finishing with either hand in the lane. Haley has a scorers mentality and so she is always looking for a way to get a good shot. She can force at times, but I think better shot selection will come with experience and maturity. Beating Highland was quite possibly the best win Central had all year and Haley had 30 points in that game. She is a scorer to track.
- Just as senior leadership wins games, so does defense. Pleasant Plains is very aggressive looking for trapping opportunities in their half court defense. They want to speed you up and force you to make decisions in an uncomfortable environment. This means ball pressure and a fast, hectic pace. You may beat their trap one time but they keep coming at you and it tends to pay off.
The Sectional Championship game on Thursday will pit Pleasant Plains against Breese Mater Dei. These two teams are a mirror image of each other in many ways. Senior laden teams that play great defense and are very smart and patient on offense. It will be a fun game to watch.