More CYM Coverage - December 8 & 9, 2007

December 10, 2007

by Jim Charles

St. Helena's at St. Ann's

I generally don't cover CYM Divisions lower than the most competitive one -- the C Division.  But, in the Y Division (the next most competitive conference) there are some noteworthy teams stocked with some truly great talent.  One of these top-tier teams is St. Ann's in Wilmington.  On Saturday, they played St. Helena's and won fairly easily despite the fact that the Crusaders are no pushovers.  St. Ann's is led by Kasey Kirker and Katie Desmond, being ably assisted by Lizzie Bartley, Katie Dodds and Amanda Christopher.  Facing them was a St. Helena's squad featuring Marissa Marini, Lexi Casper and Tori Meyers.

Images from the Game

Lexi Casper handling the inbounding duties for the Crusaders.

Lizzie Bartley fronts her opponent.

The impressive point guard for St. Helena's, Marissa Marini.

Both teams anticipating the rebound.

St. Ann's standout, Kasey Kirker, demonstrates proper free-throw technique, including the all-important follow-through with the "fingers in the basket."

Holy Angels at St. Matthew's

Holy Angels are more guard-heavy than I remember them in recent years.  Usually they have a monopoly on tall girls.  That said, they have five (out of ten girls total) players that are truly tall by CYM standards.  ...Which means they have three or four more tall girls than the average CYM team.  Just why there are more tall girls in Newark than Wilmington is anybody's guess.

 

St. Matthew's Kelly Williams' game just keeps on getting better and better.  It's no wonder that she's on the radar screen of area high school coaches.  Sara Weiss is just plain everywhere.  It seemed that in every game action photo I took, there was Sara -- right in the middle of things!  Add to these two standouts the smooth-as-icing perimeter play of Shelby Henderson, and you've got the necessary ingredients for a title contending team.

 

In this particular contest, St. Matthew's prevailed 27 - 15.  Holy Angels had a lot of trouble getting out of the blocks, trailing 14 - 4 at the half.  While the Angelic Ones did play much more competitively in the second half, it was too little too late.

Images from the Game

St. Matt's Shelby Henderson lets a 15-footer fly while both teams jockey for position.

Sara Weiss (left) attempts to wrestle the ball away from Ronniesha Potts (#14).

Taryn Schwezier concentrates on her free-throw.

Boxing out is all about desire.  Neither of these players seem lacking in that department!

Holy Angels' Ronniesha Potts advancing the ball.

IHM vs. Ursuline (at St. Matthew's)

In what was undoubtedly the best game of the weekend, IHM bested Ursuline in a real squeaker, 31 - 30. 

 

The Lady Spartans were without their fantastic forward, Jill Lyons (out with a twisted ankle), but they seemingly didn't let that fact hinder them from achieving what many think is an upset victory.  IHM is a deep, deep team with lots of talent.  Leading the Spartans are guards Mary Beth Abram and Lindsay Nichols.  The latter growing so tall lately that she may have a future in being a forward or at least a swing player.  Claire McDermott rounds out the attack and provides another presence in the post.

Ursuline - a real tough team on any night - broke out to an early lead.  With only 2 1/2 minutes to go in the first half, IHM mounted their counterattack.  Suddenly, the Ladies from Liftwood found an aggressiveness and spirit that was lacking in the first 9 minutes of the contest.  The gap was closed to 19 - 15, Ursuline up, at the half.

The entire second half was a titanic struggle.  It was evident that every girl on both teams had turned it up.  Nobody wanted to lose this one!  The IHM-ians came out of the 3rd with a 29 - 27 lead.  The 4th quarter was a back-and-forth, see-saw affair with Lindsay Nichols playing physical and hitting key baskets just when they were most needed.  Neither team was able to get more than 3 points up on the other.  In the end, IHM was just that one point better.  I'm sure Ursuline would love to get another shot at the Spartans, and if and when it happens, I expect another terrific game.

Random Notes

As for UA, a team I reviewed in an earlier article, I continue to be impressed with Lindsay Henzes.  It might not be saying too much to name her as the best point guard I've seen so far in the C Division.  At this level of basketball, having a good point is essential.  In UA's case, they may have the very best available.

Images from the Game

One tough customer, IHM's Lindsay Nichols.

This could be an all-star picture! 

Left to right: Lindsay Henzes, Lindsay Nichols, Meghan Carter and Mary Beth Abram.

Three pairs of players boxing out for a rebound with Ursuline girls getting the better of it.

The injured Jill Lyons framed by game action as she sits on the IHM bench.

Mary Beth Abram and Kendall Flanagan during a break in play.

Lindsay Henzes.  (She's always on her toes!)

Spartan Head Coach, Dan McDermott.

Jim Charles