Heat Recap

#1 posting 7.17.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

NC HEAT AAU FINAL FOUR DETAILS
NC Heat faced a mirror image of itself in the N.C. Garner Flames. They had a few tall, athletic kids plus several guards with good handles. They were fairly patient offensively, but they did not have the defensive tenacity of MN NC Heat. This was a roller coaster as Garner led very early, then NC Heat went on a run and led by as many as 11 late in the first half. In the second half, Garner led by as many as 9 before the Heat closed and regained the lead. The Heat led by 8 late, but Garner pulled to within 1 point with 1:20 remaining when Leick knocked down a 3 to make it 61-57. Hill and Poke each made free throws around a Garner 3pt basket for the final 63-60 margin. Garner primarily played man; 2nd half Garner pressed a bit to tire NC Heat guards.

The action moved back to the Milk House for the Final. Due to heavy thunderstorms, the place was packed with soccer and baseball players providing a wonderful atmosphere. Unfortunately, NC Heat spent much more energy in the semi-finals than NY Silver Bullets and couldn't keep up the pace. It's evident the Heat are fatigued when they turnover the ball and get out-rebounded which was the case. NC Heat also shot poorly from the field. The game was tight early with Hill keeping Minnesota in it. By half NY led by 13 and basically held a 9 to 15 pt lead for the entire 2nd half.

So, on July 6th most girls played 2 Top Ten camp games. Then over the next 9 days, NC Heat played 14 games going 4-1 in Atlanta and 8-1 in Orlando to earn 2nd in each. It was a successful 12-2 road trip by all accounts, with no major injuries. Next up is Memphis and then they will conclude with the North Tartan Meltdown.

FURY RECAP
The MN Fury 14U Gold finished the Menomonie Shootout at 5-1 and finished 3rd. The girls played their best basketball of the season except for their semifinal loss when cold shooting did them in. They had wins over the Iowa Lightning Silver, Winnipeg, MN Ladyslippers, Iowa Lightning Maroon and the MN Gym Rats (16’s). The team received well rounded play from all and really turned up the heat on defense to lead to their winning weekend.

TEAM WI RED RECAP
Team WI Red beat the MN Thunder in Chicago 51-44. In another game, TWR was competitive vs Ohio Red until late in the game eventually losing by 18.

ACADEMICS
Two Mesabi Range players have been named Academic All American by the NJCAA
Laura Johnson- sophomore (South St. Paul grad)
Rachel Perushek (distinguished 4.0 gpa)- freshman (Eveleth Gilbert grad)

thanks to the readers for all the great help throughout the summer. Your assists make it all possible.

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