PHASE 1 All Canada Classic: Rising Star Girls

Rising Star Girls

With what was suppose to be the least anticipated game of the weekend,  The Rising Stars Girls game actually set the tone for what was to come. Watching the Alumni Women’s game and then comparing it to this one really distinguished the youth that the Rising Stars brought to the game.

This game brought out some of the best talents in grade 9 and 10 with both teams and legitimized the progress that Canadian basketball is making in both gender.

Both teams started the game playing very organized and running plays smoothly. The East came out with more energy, hence leading at the end of the first, 15-9 led by Jordan Tomas who had 6 point in the quarter and Desiree Crawford who added 4 points.

In the second, both teams continued to play competitively with bodies diving over the floor. Micaela Riche out of Louis Riel HS in Ottawa, played a fantastic game on both ends of the floor and made it difficult  inside for the west as she clogged up the paint. Although left scoreless in the game, Naana Mensa was doing the dirty work, playing hard, boxing out and grabbing a ton of rebounds.

For the West, it was a balanced attack throughout with all but one player on the scoreboard. Carly Files did a great job for the West at the point getting all her players involved, and narrowing the gap to 4 point at the half, 24-20 for the East.

In the third Q, Sophia Beutel came out firing for the West, showing off her post arsenal with several crafty moves scoring all 6 points in the quarter. For the East, Micaela Riche continued her stellar performance by taking it hard to the rack and drawing contact to put her to the line. She was 5/6 from the charity stripe. The West defence buckled down in the third to capture the lead 35-34 and outscoring the East 15-8. The East was held to only one field goal in the 3rd.

Entering the fourth, it was a game of runs. It was only fitting for this pattern to continue. After both teams were see-sawing the lead, it came down to the final four minutes where it was the battle of the point guards. For the West, Noelle Zletni held it down with multiple key assists and scoring.

Zletni was a standout, scoring a team-high 9 points and more importantly showcasing her developed skills at the point guard position. She has great quickness, basketball IQ and fundamental skills.

On the East Side, point guard Aprille Devs impressed with great understanding of the game, team play, solid defence and great poise in the final minutes.

With 55 seconds left in the game and a 47-44 lead for the East, it was one last chance for the West to tie and they missed a three-pointer which gave the opportunity for the player of the game, Micaela Riche to seal the deal, nailing a dagger. The final score was 50-44 for the East. Very exciting game!

Top Performers: East

Micaela Riche: (PF)Displayed her versatility, scoring inside and knocking down shots on the perimeter as well as from deep; including a step-back 3-pointer that caught everyone off guard.

Aprille Deus:(PG) Really understands the game, doesnt force the issue and is a great floor general.

Naana Mensa: (SF) A hustler, solid rebounder that doesn’t give up on plays

Top Performers: West

Noelle Zletni: (PG) Versatile point guard. Decisevely quick, can shoot, pass and can take over a game at any time.

Sophia Beutel (SG/SF) Let’s the game come to her, has a knack for scoring inside and a solid jumper.