#100, Out & About: Washburn/Roosevelt

This is the 100th posting or century mark of this blog

OUT & ABOUT: Washburn/Roosevelt
Tonight's match up featured two city teams with close ties. Porsha Zimmerman and Kiara Strickland both played for Washburn as 8th graders. Both traveled to different schools last year (Zimmerman to Mpls Henry; Strickland to Racine Park WI). Both are now reunited facing former teammates Patrice Thomas, Amanda Viehauser, and Liz Shay. Roosevelt was coming off a loss last week, while Washburn has been struggling, but was coming off their only win.
The game was won by Roosevelt 72-65
The first half started slowly with Roosevelt drawing first blood, however neither team scored the next 8 possessions. After the jitters were out of the way, each team got into the groove. Seven straight possessions each team scored. Washburn posted its biggest lead at 22-16. At the break the Millers were still up 34-32.
In the second half Washburn's biggest lead was 41-37, but Roosevelt went on a 12-6 run and led 49-47 when Washburn's Viehauser was knocked down on the perimeter during a botched offensive play. Kaja Cooper stole the ball and scored the layup and the flood gates opened. Viehauser had to leave the game and Roosevelt took full advantage of the fact pushing the lead to 61-52. When Viehauser returned Roosevelt was in control and pushed the lead to 68-54. Twice Roosevelt coughed up the ball deep in Washburn territory and the Millers closed to 68-60, but Washburn couldn't convert the last gift.
Washburn was beat on the defensive boards most of the night giving away four shots a possession. Their zone also allowed Roosevelt to penetrate causing all kinds of coverage problems. I felt their offense started to high.
Roosevelt won the game, but to play with the elite teams in the state their defense needs to tighten up quite a bit. I think they have a nice core group of players 1-6. They need to clamp down...at one point Washburn scored 6/8 possessions in the first half.
Speaking of efficiency: Both teams had 67 possessions: Washburn came in at .970 and Roosevelt 1.075. I guess this means that Washburn would score 97 points in 100 possessions, Roosevelt would score 107.5 points.
Roosevelt scored on 32 of their possessions (.478); Washburn 27 (.403)
WASHBURN PLAYER EVALUATIONS:
Patrice Thomas (27) did everything in her power to keep the game tight. She was the point guard when PG #1 Liz Shay could not operate against the Roosevelt pressure. Thomas can handle the ball, but I don't see her as a point past HS. She is explosive off the dribble with twists and turns like a swirling dervish. She can pop a three, posts up well, and works the boards on both ends. She is active defensively. Red Flag: Passes at times erratic, teammates not ready for them.
Amanda Viehauser (11) is more physical than she has been in the past, but still prefers the 3 point line to the paint. Washburn ran out of bounds sideline screens for her for three point attempts (worked once). Red Flag: Takes unnecessary dribbles when in the paint (both high & low), still could be more physical. May need more speed do play "3" at higher level (like defensively).
Liz Shay (16) is their blonde bomber. She had four 3s in the first half, only one more in the second half. Red Flag: Did not handle pressure as point, better and more natural as shooting guard. Liked to drive, but was only looking to shoot not pass, and was erased more often than not by bigger Roosevelt players.
Others: Totally Red Flags: Need to take better care of the ball, and better block outs on defense.
ROOSEVELT PLAYER EVALUATIONS:
Kiara Strickland (18) is a big (6-0) lefthanded perimeter player and LOVES to pass. She can see the floor, handle the ball with authority enough to penetrate. She also can score and rebound. Red Flag: Maybe passes too much.
Porsha Zimmerman: (12) Speedy, quick off the dribble, can pass or shoot off the dribble. Took control late in the game (after the botched turnovers). Red Flag: Size--D1 guards average height is 5-8 for rostered players, 5-9 for starters; D2 is 5-7.
Kaja Cooper: (4) is another point guard option at Roosevelt. Former North player looks to hit 3s, but not many fell this night. Red Flag: Zimmerman is the prime guard, Aune the main shooter, Cooper could get lost in the shuffle.
AunDreah Aune: (10) her main responsibility is to shoot and shoot 3s. She hit three 3s in the second half. Red Flag: on her 4th foul had a tantrum on the floor.
Kim Grant/Kalimah Newson-Duvall: (11/12) I lump these two together because they play the same position and are similar. Neither are the first option, but they better rebound. Tonight Grant had the edge I felt. Red Flag: Need to eliminate second shots for opponents. Need to work on post ups.
Who is in the Trench? I will go with Strickland, but Thomas is not that far away.