MN AAA Semis + A Quarters

#3 posting 3.16.2006

Here I am at Target Center after the AAA Semis noted for their lack of drama. The favored teams advanced. Benilde-St. Margaret's took care of their fellow Catholic school DeLaSalle 45-34, and Marshall pounded St. Michael-Albertville 58-39. This sets up a final with #1 Marshall taking on #2 Benilde-St. Margaret's Saturday night at 6 pm

MN AAA Semifinal #1
Benilde-St. Margaret's 45, DeLaSalle 34

In a defensive struggle BSM took care of DLS with a few more scoring possessions. It was a grind it out affair. Both teams were in each others jersey all night as the offenses found it tough sledding. BSM struck first and put together a 6-0 run before DLS found the range. Every point was a struggle as both teams knew each other well. They had played during the season with BSM winning by five. BSM had an 0/8 drought and DLS had an 0/6 drought at the same time. Combined it was a miserable 0/13 stretch. No one set the nets on fire or put together any strings worth mentioning. BSM did put together a run (not a string) of 6-0 to bump the lead to 16-8. To close the half both teams were in shut down mode with DLS 0/8 and BSM a bit better at 0/4. BSM led 21-11.

Second half was more of the same. DLS did cut it to 25-17 early in the half, but after that went into hibernation at 0/11 string. BSM managed to string together three possessions late in that stretch to expand their lead to 34-17. BSM then went into shut down and managed to put together an 0/6 run. DLS was starting their attempts at a comeback and cut the lead to 34-21. With 2:07 left the efficiency experts had DLS into overdrive as they put together a six possession scoring string and outscored BSM 11-6. But the clock was ticking away..a matter of too little too late. BSM made it to the next championship round 45-34.

player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
Benilde-St. Margaret's player evaluations
Starters
Jessie Monk 3, 5, 60.0, .400
Samantha Morgan 13, 14, 92.9, .500 strong guard RF: not as fast or quick as DLS guards, kept looking over shoulder on breaks and DLS would usually catch her.
Eliese Hansberry 3, 5, 60.0, .400
Kachine Alexander 10, 14, 71.4, .357 an off day, but has quicks and moves. RF physical play took its toll.
LaToya Williams 6, 8, 75.0, .375 wide body inside. strength power RF: not a lot of ups, doesn't need to bounce the ball in the paint to check if there is air there. Needs to keep ball high on rebounds
Bench
Margaret Skoglund 2, 5, 40.0, .200
Chanica Hall 8, 13, 61.5, .308
Anna Viehman 0, 1, 0.0, .000

DeLaSalle Player Evaluations
Starters
Malaika Smith 0, 3, 0.0, .000 defense is her middle name. RF: Offense is not forte
Sheena Porter 11, 15, 73.3, .333 Steady, drains three
Rachel Booth 8, 12, 66.7, .333 getting a tad more physical, but will be on the outside post HS.
Treasure Clemens 6, 12, 50.0, .250 point guard RF: dribbled too much, but perhaps this was because DLS wasn't getting open.
Aaryn Booker 0, 10, 0.0, .000 RF: DLS needed her to be somewhat productive to keep defense guessing. Height matters and she was outsized
Bench
Anna Kovalchuk 2, 4, 50.0, .250 RF: good 3 shooter, but needs to develop it against man defense
Aneshia Starks 7, 8, 87.5, .625
Michelle Harris 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Trench player: Today I'm taking Morgan into the trenches

BY THE NUMBERS
BSM 45, 65, 69.2, .354
DLS 34, 65, 52.3, .246
Bench: BSM 10, DLS 9
made Free throws: BSM 13, DLS 13

MN AAA Semifinals game #2
Marshall 58, St. Michael-Albertville 39

Marshall punched at ticket to the championship dance by thumping STMA 58-39. They led from start to finish and were never really threatened after leading 13-11 in the first half.
Marshall got off to a 4-0 lead while STMA was mired in an 0/6 drought against the Marshall zone. Marshall also had some size advantages. Both teams traded scoring possessions with Marshall coming off that stretch up 9-6. The best run Marshall put together was a four scoring possession string with a 8-2 run. Marshall was up 21-13 at this point. STMA closed out the half 0/8 and the Tigers went into the lockerroom up 28-15.

The second half was not much different as far as outcome was concerned. Again the strings that were put together were of the negative variety and STMA had an 0/7 stretch. Marshall added 7 more points to their total during this time and led 49-24 with six minutes to go. The benches emptied early as the reserves had a chance to smell the floor. Marshall advanced 58-39.

Marshall player evaluations
Starters
Macie Michelson 7, 9, 77.8, .444 fiery, passionate, RF: not the best day from the floor
Julia Schultz 18, 12, 150.0, .750 calm cool to the fiery Michelson. Steady and efficient. Made things happen. one away from double double (9 rebounds)
Kirsten Haukom 7, 8, 87.5, .385
Kelsie Kruger 9, 11, 81.8, .455
Jessica Onken 2, 4, 50.0, .250
Bench
Anna Full 6, 7, 85.7, .429
Amanda Beekman 4, 3, 133.3, .667
Danielle French 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Laura Strautz 1, 3, 33.3, .333
Amanda Larson 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Katie Mulder 2, 1, 200.0, 1.000

St. Michael-Albertville Player Evaluations
Starters
Marla Arns 8, 10, 80.0, .400
Miranda Nelson 5, 12, 41.7, .167
Jodi Reinschmidt 13, 13, 100.0, .462 workman like job. blocked some players. have good ups. Not much help around her today.
Estee Kolles 4, 5, 80.0, .400
Jennifer Wiese 1, 5, 20.0, .200
Bench
Lauren Kessler 2, 4, 50.0, .250
Courtney Brant 0, 3, 0.0, .000
Brittni Wiese 6, 4, 150.0, .750
Regan Englund 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Nicol Schmitz 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Natalie Dick 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Trench: Yesterday the fire, today the cool Julia Schultz

A RESULTS
Fulda beat Fosston 73-45 in the battle of the Fs
Ada-Borup bounced Browerville 51-44 in the battle of the first timers
Barnum took out Meadow Creek 49-40 in a match between two rated teams. Barnum is the highest team left with a #2 ranking.

Next up: late tonight with the AAAA Semis.