OUT & ABOUT: CHAMPLIN PARK/BRECK

Tonight's contest was at Breck with Champlin Park of the AAAA division vs. #1AA Breck. And Breck came out on top thanks to the dynamic duo of seniors Emily Neal (27) and Kelly Mullaney(30). Breck jumped out early and were much sharper and more aggressive than CP. The Breck offense featured quite a few back cuts that CP failed to defend.CP did not score for the first six minutes. Eventually they found the range and closed the gap to 33-26 at half.
In the second half CP went on 15-6 run early to take a 41-39 lead. After that point the largest lead either team had was three. With 2:32 left CP led 61-58 when Natalie Gigler made both free throws. However that was the last time the basketball found the hoop for the Rebels. As she had done all night Mullaney delivered the next two baskets for the Mustangs as Breck regained the lead with 39 seconds to go. CP did have chances, but missed three shots including the last second three attempt by Jenny Theisen.
Champlin Park player evaluation:
Jenny Theisen led CP with 20 points including 4 threes. Her favorite spot behind the arc is in the corners. Most of her points are off the pass. She has recovered from the knee injuries that hampered her sophomore season. I did not see any after effects. Theisen was 4/4 at the line.
Natalie Gigler was hampered by foul trouble throughout the game and in fact fouled out with seconds remaining. Gigler scored 13, was 3/3 from the line.
Mindy Schmidt was quiet the first half, but came on in the second half, she finished with 11. She needs to be consistent the whole game.
Ashlynn Fuller gave a spark during the CP comeback with steal and transition points. Last year she played at Mpls North and is a good additon for CP.
Breck player evaluation:
Mullaney plays hard, and I know everyone says they play hard, but she stands above the others in the intensity department. When Breck needed a score, and CP knew it, she delivered. Most of her point creation is off the dribble. The one facet, at least in this game, that needs improvement is the free throw department--0/5 tonight.
Mullaney's running mate Emily Neal is a tough nut, and is somewhat overshadowed by Mullaney, but is a player that also can get the job done. Neal penetrates and puts her body on the line. Neal also canned two threes on the night.
The third option, Megan Givens, has been under stress with family illness, and so a fair assessment at this time can not be given.
The thing I liked about the support players of Breck was they were all tough nosed kids and looked like they belong on the court. I can not say that about all the teams I see. All Breck kids work hard, know where to be on the floor, and do what the can do (and not force issues). The warning for Breck is that in order to go deep in the playoffs more depth and more balanced scoring will be needed. If fouls or injuries take out one of the dynamic duo, things become more problematic.

Who is in the trench for tonight? Mullaney easily. In fact Mullaney is the trench player of the week.