Out & About: Rogers/Elk River

Today's matinee featured two schools from different classes (AAA/AAAA), and a neighborhood rivalry (both schools are in the Elk River district). In fact there is a traveling trophy "the Bend in the River." Both schools are also coming off a loss. Elk River struck right away with Kristina Thompson finding the mark for a three against the Rogers zone. The Elks took a 5-1 lead before Rogers found their rhythm. They scored on their next seven possessions to take a 16-7 lead. Casey Mann led the charge with 8 of the 15 points. Rogers also spread the floor on offense to get Mann, and Jennifer Dowd the ability to penetrate and dish or, more often than not, take it to the glass themselves. Rogers extended the lead to 26-14, but ER quickly answered with another Thompson three. Rogers led at half 28-19.
At the start of the second half Rogers had problems hanging on to the ball. Rogers was trying to post up players and get them involved. ER took advantage of this change in strategy and went on a 11-2 run to tie it at 30. That was the closest ER was going to get. The next possession Rogers had Stephanie Williams stroked a three. Both teams were now getting into the flow as ER scored 4/6 possessions, Rogers 6/8. The closest ER got after this run was 44-46 with another three, this time by Katie Christensen. The rest of the way Rogers made free throws, but they never cashed in fully. At one point they were 1/10 at the line--not a good sign late in the game. Rogers won against their older sister school 51-47. They are now 2-1 in the series.
Rogers player evaluations:
Rogers' strength is on the perimeter. Casey Mann is a 3 year vet as a soph. More than once on the night she took the ball either off a rebound or against the press and went coast to coast and finished. She looks to take it to the glass almost every chance she can. She ended up with 19. She had problems at the line at the end (like the rest of the team).
Jennifer Dowd is playing quite a bit more than in the past, but she is only a freshman. She too likes to go to the glass on either penetrations or cuts. She didn't finish with many points, but her value was the ability to handle the ball. Both Dowd and Mann are point guards and pressure today did not bother them (coast to coast).
Stephanie Williams is the "3" and is bigger than the other two. She is more comfortable on the three point line as evidenced by a three of 3s. She ended with 13.
The inside game is not a strong or as big.
Elk River player evaluations:
Courtni Metcalfe and Tempestt Wilson are the two freshmen that see a lot of clock. Wilson jumps center and at times was at the high post, but my feeling is she is more comfortable and will be more effective on the perimeter. She has some quickness, but the zone took away any penetration chances she may have considered. Metcalfe did not start, but played quite a bit. Again more comfortable on the perimeter. She eventually fouled out sacrificing herself to put Rogers at the line.
Kristina Thompson and Katie Christensen are on the three point line with Christensen running the point. Thompson has the better shot than the two.
Gemma Saxon can play in or out, but again would prefer out. She was hampered by fouls, but is the only real physical player for ER.
Tonight's trench player: Jennnifer Dowd inspite of the missed free throws she is aggressive and steady with the ball.