Out & About: Irondale/St. Francis, Long Mystery Solved

Tonight's game featured two teams who rely on a key player: St. Francis with Minnesota bound Breanna Salley; Irondale with Concordia St. Paul bound Jamie Jones. It also was a pivotal game in the North Suburban race.
The first half started off with St. Francis on fire. They missed their first shot, but then scored on their next five possessions for a 10-0 lead. The Saints ran on missed shots with two breaks. Irondale took a time out to get their equalibrium back. From that point Irondale outscored St. Francis 21-11. Irondale did this getting into the faster pace St. Francis was pushing and leading the resurgance was Jamie Jones who slashed to the basket early and scored and dished. Irondale took their first lead at 23-21 on a Jones drive. Irondale had two four possession scoring streaks in the first half. Irondale had the lead and momentum at half 36-31.
With the break neck pace of the first half (each team 46 possessions) the second half's pace slowed somewhat. Both teams were tired or exhausted because at one point in the early portion of the second half between both teams out of 21 possessions only one point was scored (a SF free throw). During that drought there were 10 turnovers combined. St. Francis did take a 48-46 lead on a steal and lay up by Salley, but that was the last time for the Saints. Irondale scored their next four possessions to take a 54-48 lead. Ali Schwartzwald popped in a three late to cut the Irondale lead to 56-55, but Irondale finished up with three free throws.
Looking at the possession pace--46 first half, 36 second---Irondale offensive rate was .720; St. Francis .679. This means with 100 possessions Irondale would have 72 points, St. Francis 67.9
St. Francis scored on .346 of their possessions; Irondale .390.
Irondale player evaluations
Jamie Jones (15) is the key to this team. Her value is in her ball handling, penetrations and actually she guarded Salley giving away four inches. Salley posted up Jones, but Jones did not get into foul trouble. She was instrumental in getting Irondale into the game with 10 points in the first half. The only time Jones sat was in the second half during the drought portion. When she handled the ball, good things happened. Red Flag: Outside shot needs improvement--she drops hand and ball clangs off back rim. When driving to the glass it is not wise to challenge Salley (snuffed out twice)
Natalie Alamat (12) is the only player with size on Irondale. She is a wide body, but not as wide as Williams of Benilde. Made some big baskets down the stretch. Red Flag: got into foul trouble. Not the fastest.
Ashley Carr (13) scored courtesy Jones. She also cashed some free throws in. She also can drive. Red Flag: she also got into foul trouble--out of position, not moving feet.
St. Francis player evaluations
Breanna Salley (27) is playing at a different level than the rest of the St. Francis players. Her quickness and instincts are what sets her apart. She scored off steals into layups, driving, 3s, at the line. Red Flag: despite all she did her team still lost. Maybe this should be directed more at her teammates since they would throw up shots (like the first half) with only one pass. At least let Salley touch the ball on each possession. That doesn't mean she should take every shot, but there is no 10 second clock in high school. Also that three will still be there after three more passes. So this flag is more for the rest of the team. For Salley: help make your teammates look better than they are. I did not get that feel tonight.
Ali Schwartzwald (16) is their prime ball handler. She hit some threes at crucial times. She can rebound. Red Flag: turnover issues. She is young (soph) and will mature with experience, but did not control game like Jones.
The rest of the team: (12) Someone needs to become a scoring threat, and everyone needs to play stronger defense and handle the ball better.
In the trenches: I am going with Jones. 1. Her team won. 2. She controlled the tempo/pace and made good decisions (for the most part) 3. Even outsized she guarded the best player without getting into foul problems (about the only player not to get foul trouble on Irondale).
I think Salley is trenchworthy, but Jones got it done tonight.

LONG MYSTERY SOLVED
Thanks to Bill Quan who did the detective work. The player is McKensey Long from Carthage IL. She is a 5-8, G, 2007.