Out & About: DeLaSalle/Detroit Lakes

#12 posting 3.15.2007
Your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

MN STATE TOURANMENT
AAA SEMIFINALS
DE LA SALLE islanders 50, DETROIT LAKES lakers 35

It was the worst of times---14-11 at half; 15 straight nonscoring possessions for DL; 16% shooting for DLS---it was the best of times (at least for DLS) with offensive execution unmatched for the year when I have seen DLS. Their free throw shooting woes of early in the year have been cured. And you can't spell DeLaSalle without D. And that tenacious, in your face, grinding defense cause DL to go to the medicine cabinet for Excedrin. Every pass, shot and movement up court was contested. Nothing was given. DL paid for that with exhaustion.

Things started off brightly for DL. Fists were pumping after they grabbed a 7-0 lead on Macey Bentley's 3. But for the excrutiating next 15 possessions DL went to the well and came up dry. DLS didn't exploit the situation much, but enough to be up 14-7 when DL found the flow again on two free throws by Corey Lof. Both teams combined for 46 possessions in the first half---the lowest I have charted this year.

Both teams took a tonic at half, but DLS's was double the strength on offense. DL did cut the lead to 16-15 on their second possession, but DLS answered with a three from Frances Wehrwein. That started a 22-4 run that ended any chance for DL to come back. DLS scored on 10/12 of their first possessions in the second half, three of which were back breaking 3s. DLS did cool off with a five possession dry spell, but DL didn't exploit the situation.

DE LA SALLE
STARTERS
Frances Wehrwein 3, 8, 37.5, .125 assigned to Hallie Hoganson on D
Aaryn Booker 20, 12, 166.7, .833 The train as the fans of DLS named her. She was the engine in the first half with 11 of the 14 DLS points. Physical, and strong. a combination defenders don't want to face.
Rachel Booth 5, 8, 62.5, .250 alters shots.
Aneshia Starks 6, 11, 54.5, .273 point guard
Akilah Hudnell 3, 3, 100.0, .333 another defender that causes pain.
BENCH
Anna Kovalchuk 11, 7, 157.1, .714
Carissa Wolyniec 2, 5, 40.0, .200
Alex Bledsoe 0, 0, 0.0, .000

DETROIT LAKES
STARTERS
Jena Hanson 2, 9, 22.2, .111
Corey Lof 6, 13, 46.2, .231 operates in the middle, got the boards they needed.
Betsy Hutchinson 8, 10, 80.0, .500 post presence.
Macey Bentley 7, 5, 140.0, .600 started out hot, but wasn't heard of often after the first few minutes.
Hallie Hoganson 6, 8, 75.0, .375 wasn't able to freely operate.
BENCH
Abby Hoganson 0, 5, 0.0, .000
Nichole Nordby 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Alice Branden 6, 4, 150.0, .750

TRENCH PLAYER
Aaryn Booker

BY THE NUMBERS
DeLaSalle 50, 54, 92.6, .426
Detroit Lakes 35, 55, 63.6, .309
Made 3s: DLS 5, DL 1
Made fts: DLS 15, DL 12
Bench: DLS 13, DL 6
Consider this: DLS's offensive #s in the second half was 116.1 pp100 in the second half with .548 floor %, compared to the abysmal 60.9, .261 floor% in the first half. But if DLS was Abysmal DL was in the abyss. DL in the first half checked in at 47.8 and .217; things improved slightly in the second half to 75 and .375, but the question was never in doubt once the DLS train left the station.
If you were to name a band after DLS it may be "Booker and the Furious D." All players for DLS put forth tremendous energy and make life brutal for guards of the opposition. It is a physical game and the constant harrassment takes its toll.
With the confidence, tenacity and intensity played by the DLS5 on D, plus the improved free throw shooting, they are poised to take the AAA title.

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
DE LA SALLE
Akilah Hudnell 6.5
Aaryn Booker 6
Anna Kovalchuk 5.5
Rachel Booth 5.5
Aneshia Starks 5
Carissa Wolyniec 2.5
Alex Bledsoe 1.5
Frances Wehrwein 1
Totals: 33

DETROIT LAKES
Corey Lof 9
Betsy Hutchinson 5
Hallie Hoganson 4
Jena Hanson 3
Macey Bentley 3
Abby Hoganson 1
Alice Branden 1
Totals: 26

next up: special report on AA action