St. E's Had a Good Plan, But Then...
Sanford Won Anyway, 49 - 40
by Jim Charles
(posted 12-22-09)
Paige Davis (11 points) shows her athleticism with this lane drive.
Coach Tom Ferrier has been at the helm of the Viking's ship for umpteen years now, so it's hard to slip anything by on him. He is also a pretty fair game strategist. As much as he can be, he likes to be a "sixth player" on the court. When the top-ranked Sanford Lady Warriors brought their show to the St. E's Center Friday night, Tom Ferrier was ready for them. In an almost textbook maneuver, Coach Ferrier decided to counter the visitors' advantage in speed and up-tempo offense by slowing the game down. He directed his players often to hold the ball -- sometimes for more than a minute of game clock. While sometimes unnerving to watch from the stands, the plan seemed to be working. St. E's was up a point after the first frame, and even took a 6-point lead going into halftime. Putting the stalling tactics into effect were Viking guards like Paige Davis, Tori Casper, and Anna Tiberi.
Now, at this point in the story, I began to truly believe that the Vikes could pull off the upset. If for no other reason than the fact that St. Elizabeth's has traditionally owned the third quarter in their own house. How many times, over the years, had I witnessed teams up 10 or more at half over the Maroon & Gold only to find themselves 8 game minutes later shaking their heads shell-shocked and asking, "What happened?" Surely, this time would be no different. And yet it was. Very different. In the third, the Elizabethans would score a lonely 2 points while Sanford erased the gap between the teams with 8 points of their own. With the teams in a deadlock after three, all hoped the final stanza would help make the holidays merrier for their side.
What
happened in the 4th was simply that the Warriors built on the slight
momentum swing that came their way in the prior period. That, and
they just kept coming at St. E's. While Andrea Hines, who is
typically brilliant, was having a tough game, Naiesha Brown stepped into
the gap and nailed some key baskets down the stretch. Her 18
tallies led all scorers. This website has sung Brown's praises
before, and we see no reason to stop now. Few players embody going
all-out, all the time like her. But here's another point to
consider. Few players, once they get to high school, improve their
skills dramatically over their four (or in some cases, five) years.
Naiesha Brown has done this. As a freshman, she was more than good
enough to play on an elite team like Sanford. But now?
Oh, my goodness!!! Her skill development continues to amaze.
Coming with that, is a new-found calmness on the court for Naiesha.
In younger days, she may have let emotions get in the way of her talent
in difficult situations. Not anymore.
For the Lady Vikes, they came real close. A really admirable effort -- both from an on-court, player perspective and from the coaching box. It's a real shame these two teams don't match-up again before the State Tournament. It'd be wonderful to witness a rematch.
For Sanford, they did what Number One teams do. They win tough games. When their top offensive threat has an off night, another player steps up. That's how top teams operate. That's what separates the few from the many.
Davis sending up a 3-point attempt. She is one of the game's better "inside-outside" players and a quality guard.
St. E's has more guards than Gander Hill. Here is the awesome Tori Casper (4 points).
Naiesha Brown led all scorers with a fine 18-point performance.
Sanford's Alexa Webb (4 points) plays a little D on the Vikings' Anna Tiberi (12 points).
Naiesha Brown body checks Anna Tiberi.
Olivia Peeke and Anna Tiberi probably know each other from AAU ball. Here, during a clock stoppage, they exchange pleasantries.
It's always nice to see the players having a good time.