Takeaways From Concorde Semis: Chantilly vs. Oakton
Defense has already proven to be essential this postseason, shown in a Concorde district semifinal game at Oakton last night. Both these teams have several talented, experienced players to go around, and when they went head to head, there was…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingDefense has already proven to be essential this postseason, shown in a Concorde district semifinal game at Oakton last night. Both these teams have several talented, experienced players to go around, and when they went head to head, there was no shortage of intense competition.
It was clear very early into the game that this would be a low-scoring contest, with the first quarter score only coming to Oakton leading 9-7. The defense from both teams was exceptional at times, especially given that a couple of these players are some of the top scorers in the region. Tonight, it was Oakton’s Hannah Kaloi Hannah Kaloi 6'0" | PF Oakton | 2021 State VA (2021) who led all scorers with 22 and got the Cougars the victory, 39-29.
Chantilly Guard Sarah Huffman (2023) got the start at point guard tonight and continued to show why she is one of the most impressive freshman in the district. Last night she displayed more comfort in running the offense and an understanding of defense in the half-court. Chantilly has a lot to look forward to with her on the floor in the next few years.
It’s hard to not highlight all of Oakton’s players because they play so well together and run an beautiful, team offense that thrives on assists and setting screens. Coach Fred Priester stuck with his starters for the majority of the game until subbing in one player during the fourth quarter. But it’s easy to stick with his starters, given the fact that this group plays the game like a well-oiled machine.
Staying on the topic of blossoming players, Oakton guard Sophia Zinzi (2022) is playing with the maturity you’d normally find in a junior or senior, and fits in right alongside Oakton’s talented upperclassmen such as Grace Meshanko Grace Meshanko 5'8" | SF Oakton | 2020 State VA (2020), Hannah Kaloi Hannah Kaloi 6'0" | PF Oakton | 2021 State VA , and Kara Vietmeyer (2021). She had only six points on the night, but definitely made her impact and contributed to the win.
Zinzi (right) and teammate Lauren McMarlin during a free throw.Chantilly hung in through most of the game. Megan Baxter Megan Baxter 5'4" | PG Chantilly | 2021 State VA came off the bench and didn’t take long to score and make an impact. She brought out her killer hesitation and quickness that got her and other teammates a few buckets. She led the Chargers in scoring alongside Huffman, each with 7. In the third quarter, the Chargers brought in Layo Johnson (2021), a post off the bench who helped her team in the midst of an Oakton run, making them only down three going into the final frame.
Baxter at the free throw line.Junior Sophie Pavlech also displayed her continued improvement last night. She is using her length and athleticism well on defense and even made a couple of threes. It will be fun to watch her and fellow post Meghan O’Brien Meghan O’Brien 6'1" | PF Chantilly | 2021 State VA (2021), the Lehigh commit, wrap up their high school careers together next season.
Oakton moves on to play undefeated Madison for the district championship this Friday, at Centreville High School, at 6 PM.