Out & About: twofer: Woodbury Tournament

GAME 1: St. Paul Johnson/Armstrong
This game appeared to be a blow out early, but then Armstrong made it interesting. Johnson won in overtime 79-71
Johnson dominated early and often with a lead as big as 20-4. Alex Moore, formerly of St. Paul Central, had 12 of them including two 3s. This is the second time I have seen Armstrong and in both games they start flat. Johnson scored 9/12 times they touched the ball to start the game. But that torrid start cooled considerably later in the half and Armstrong heated up. Armstrong went on a 13-6 run to bring the margin to 34-28. Johnson's offense sputtered at 3/14. The half ended with Johnson holding a 43-30 lead.
The second half started with Johnson regaining the initiative with a 50-33 lead. For the most part Johnson seemed to be in control holding a 64-50 lead, but then the bottom dropped out. The Governors hit another dry patch as they went 2/13 the rest of the way. Armstrong had arisen from its slumber and scored on 6/7 possessions to cut the lead to 65-60. Then Ebony Black of Johnson picked up her 5th foul on a charge. Johnson had three possessions and Armstrong had two with no movement. Then a J turnover plus intentional foul as Ali Gordon was going in for the lay up with 1:23 left changed everything. Gordon made free throws, and Nicole Dooher scored on the out of bounds play to cut it to 65-64. Megan Shea tied it at 65 with a free throw. Moore gave the lead back to Johnson. Dooher hit a jumper with no time left to send it to overtime.
Neither team scored on their first possessions. The shot that put Johnson ahead for good was made by Stephanie Moore. Johnson was 8/8 at the line down the stretch for a 79-71 escape of an Armstrong team that plays like Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde.
I did not like Johnson's press break as they coughed it up towards the end of regulation.
Armstrong needs to play 36 minutes (or 40) like they played the last five minutes of regulation----with a sense of urgency. No coasting, no doubts.
Johnson Player Evaluations
Alex Moore (27) can shoot. She came out hot from long distance and can take it to the glass. Late in the first half she fed Danielle Mathais for three straight post up points. Red Flag: size. If teams focus on her with a bigger defender (something Armstrong neglected early) she may have trouble getting off her bombs.
Ebony Black (15) did not play a full game due to foul issues. She posted up some of the evening when Mathais was out. Black can be dangerous with the ball and her moves and power keep teams off balance. Red Flag: picking up the 5th foul when up 65-60 was not a savvy thing to do. All you have to do is play catch nicely with your teammates. You don't have to create miracles. In general the fouls she picked up place her on the pine when she is more valuable on the court.
Danielle Mathias (19) is a space eater. The former Cretin-Derham Hall player posts up well, but I can't understand why Armstrong played directly behind her letting her catch and do what ever she wanted. Later in the game Armstrong did a better job. Red Flag: not lickity split fast up and down court. Tendancy to get into foul trouble.
Sasha Barnes and Essance Tyler are a couple of smurfs--both are under 5-5. Barnes 6/6 at the line in OT. Red flags: on the press their passes were the floaty variety that drive me nuts. Neither had a great night from the floor. Their smurfness.
Armstrong Player Evaluations
Megan Shea (19) kept the Falcons in the game with 12 first half points. Can shoot out. I liked her better tonight than Cooper. Red Flag: I want more. Needs to grab game by the throat and dominate. Don't look or ask for permission, just do it. When score was 67-65 did not touch ball. Take over.
Rachel Gunderson (17) had 11 points of her points in the second half. Red flag: more consistency, more sense of urgency...especially in the first half.
Nicole Dooher (18) off the bench provided the spark to get Armstrong moving. Most of her points came in the second half. Made clutch shots to cut lead to one in regulation and tie it at buzzer. Career high in points tonight. Red Flag: limited experience...obviously that will change.

Trench player tonight: Alex Moore. She can drain it.

Bloomington Jefferson/Woodbury
After the roller coaster of the first game this game was anticlimatic even though it was a tight contest. Neither team provide a power packed offense. Both teams did not value the ball. Neither team shot exceptionally well. At the start of the game Woodbury scored on their first possession, but then did not on their next 8, three of which were turnovers. Both teams had 21 at half.
Jefferson had their biggest lead at 34-29 before the roof fell in. After that Woodbury outscored the Jags 21-8.
Woodbury player evaluations:
Sarah Hintz (22) a 5-10, freshman, erupted for 22 points, a career high. She was playing the post and has quick feet. She is not afraid to get hit and had four chances for 3 point plays. Red flag: needs to gain strength. May work best outside "3" type.
Zoraa Quoie is headed to Iowa and coming off a knee injury. Explosive. Did not start off as the point, but later in the evening took over that role. Can penentrate and dish. Can penetrate through a narrow crack. Red flag: needs to finish after making a great move. Needs work on outside shot.
Jefferson player evaluations:
To be honest, no one grabbed my attention in a compelling display.

Hintz gets the hint and is in the trenches.