Thursday Night Action in Bradenton: Ft. Myers and IMG Pull Out W’s
I was able to catch a game and a half on Thursday evening. IMG and DME were playing in the area, so I headed that way to catch the first half before going to Manatee for their regional quarterfinal matchup…
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Continue ReadingI was able to catch a game and a half on Thursday evening. IMG and DME were playing in the area, so I headed that way to catch the first half before going to Manatee for their regional quarterfinal matchup with Fort Myers.
In the first half of the IMG/DME game, the Ascenders had a lead of 29-25 behind 10 points from Ariel Loiter and 9 from Liz Smith. DME hung around though with Bella Weary scoring 7 and a couple of three’s from Jayde Tschritter. DME beat IMG in their last meeting, but IMG got revenge by a final score of 64 to 55 in this one.
I made it just in time to catch the tip at the 6A Region 3 Quarterfinal game hosted by Manatee against Ft. Myers. Based on seeding and record, you would think this game would have gone Manatee’s way, but Ft. Myers played one of the toughest schedules in the state to prepare them for the postseason. The Canes just did not have an answer for Chaniya Clark all night. If the ball was thrown in the air near her, she was going to get it. Manatee showed some life in the 4th to make the final a bit closer at 65 to 43 in favor of the Lady Wave who will now head to Dunbar on Tuesday in some Sweet 16 action.
Here are some standout players from each of the 4 teams I saw:
IMG Academy
Liz Smith (2020) – Liz went out with a big win in her last HS game. She’s headed to Pacific and will excel at the next level. She’s quick, strong, sees the floor, and can score the rock. Love her IQ and excited to see what she does at the next level.
Ariel Loiter (2020) – Ari can ball with the best of them. She’ll be off to Colgate after an impressive HS career. She’s got the ability to do a little bit of everything as a crafty guard that knows the game and plays hard which will make her successful the next 4 years.
Ava Toone (2021) – Ava has an impressive resume and she’s not even done with HS yet. She’s committed to play at Loyola Marymount with her strong frame and impressive mid-range game. She rebounded well against DME as one of the few taller players for IMG that sees minutes.
DME Academy
Bella Weary (2021) – Bella is still one of the most athletic players I’ve seen with her speed and vertical. She’s got enough agility to get by anyone and shoot over top of anyone with her jump shot.
Channing Chappell (2020) – Channing was another D1 commit as she will go play with Wright State next year. She has smooth handles and looked to be a pass-first guard that can score it too.
Jayde Tschritter (2020) – Jayde was the best shooter I saw in the half I did with a couple of threes. She gets her shot off quickly and has a nice stroke. She’s still unsigned, but will make a good fit for a D1/D2 program.
Ft. Myers
Chaniya Clark (2021) – Chaniya was the difference in this game with 29 points and probably as many boards. Manatee did not have an answer for her height and strength. Even if they had, she can score the ball from everywhere which always shocks those who are seeing her for the first time.
Janay Outten (2021) – Janay is one of the best guards in SWFL and the whole state for that matter. She added 16 points as part of a dynamic duo for the Lady Wave. I really like how smart she is with the ball and she always knows where Chaniya is when she is creating around the rim.
Manatee
Ophelia Lidge (2020) – Ophelia makes up part of a strong duo for the Canes, and she led the way with 14 points in her final HS game. She’s a leader of this team who always has high intensity on defense.
Andrea Soto (2020) – Andrea is an impressive unsigned senior who will be a really good fit at the next level when she finds her spot. She’s very talented and can take over a game if she gets aggressive with the ball. Soto scores 11 point with two 3’s when she started looking to score.