All three teams with a reasonable chance at a title
Photo courtesy of Marita Midwick
| BataviasBest.org
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Today there is a ton of action taking place across Section V. Due to time constraints, I will be combining all three previews into one article. Here is what to look for today:
Girls Class C1 Final – Byron-Bergen vs Mynderse – 1: 00 pm @ Rush-Henrietta HS
Top Players for Mynderse
G – 5’8″ Cassidy Rattray – 13 points per game
F – 5’10” Heidi Miller – 12 points per game
What to watch for from Mynderse
Mynderse is a pressing team that also possesses quality size. With Bergen’s strength lying within the interior (Abbie Kelley) I would expect the Bees to struggle against the Devils’ pressure. Heidi Miller is a Freshman and has really come on this season. This should be an incredibly difficult game for the local team to win. However, I’m giving them a chance.
Prediction
Granted I know little about Mynderse, I do know that the Bees have showed glimpses of struggling against defensive pressure all season. However, on a bigger court at R-H, Mynderse may not be able to play the style they are accustomed to – leading to what I believe will be a competitive game.
Give me Bergen here.
Final Score: Bergen 46 Mynderse 44
Girls Class C2 Final – Cal-Mum vs Dundee – 3: 00 pm @ Rush-Henrietta HS
Top Players for Dundee
G – 5’5″ Megan Howell – 14 points per game
C/F – 6’0″ Brooke Howell – 13 points per game
G – 5’6″ Demi Battin – 11 points per game
What to watch for from Dundee
The Scots not only have two impressive guards who can pressure the ball, they also come equipped with impressive size up-and-down the roster. In order for the Raiders to win this one, they must play team-ball and execute their system. It would be an upset if they were to win this one, but I believe they can do it.
Quote from the Coach – Mike Reed – Cal-Mum
On what has been the driving force behind their success this season:
“When we lost to Lyons last year in the semis the kids were not upset, they were angry. We felt like we had a good shot at winning Sectionals and we led most of that game – but we didn’t get it done. The memory of that game has focused the kids ever since.”
Prediction
Many of these predictions today come solely based on reading articles and viewing the stats, but having said that, I think the Raiders have a chance here. Although it will take their best effort, they are due for just that. With a great game on both ends, give me the local team here.
Final Score: Cal-Mum 48 Dundee 47
Boys Class D1 Final – Notre Dame vs Genesee Valley – 7:00 pm @ Blue Cross Arena
Team stats for GV according to Max Preps
What to watch for from GV
Photo courtesy of Marita Midwick
Senior Tyler Zlomek and Junior Carter Schneider clearly lead the Jaguars, who have put together a 19-1 record up until this point. Possessing size like ND has not seen consistently this season (Schneider 6’5″), the Jaguars will likely present a challenge for the local team. However, with Schneider being listed as only 175 lbs, and the Irish possessing two big-bodied forwards (Nellis and Weidman), I believe Notre Dame can contend with the Junior’s height.
In addition to their size, though, Zlomek seems to be a quality player from all accounts and should go back-and-forth with ND’s Josh Johnson all night long.
All in all, I expect this game to be a fun one to watch.
I can’t wait!!! (Bart Scott voice)
Quote from Players – Josh Johnson- Notre Dame
On what it would mean to capture a second-consecutive Sectional Title:
Photo courtesy of Marita Midwick
“It would mean a lot because we have grown so much as a team. Our competitiveness and being able to execute our game plan. All the Seniors have added something because we have been here before and that helped everyone else step-up. It would be a great reward to show how hard we have worked as a team and how far we have come. We have to be mentally prepared and have to execute our game plan to the best of our ability tonight.”
Prediction
Photo courtesy of Marita Midwick
Like the girls games, I have not seen Genesee Valley in person, therefore my knowledge is fairly limited. However, they have put together a fine season and have two top scorers who each seem to be able to put the ball in the basket regardless of the opponent. As I said earlier in the week, though, this Notre Dame team has come on incredibly strong and I expect their good fortune to continue tonight.
Yep. I’m picking a clean sweep today.
Final Score: Notre Dame 66 Genesee Valley 64
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I truly cannot wait for this afternoon. Should be a great day of basketball from both the Boys and Girls side. Tune in to @BataviasBest on Twitter for LIVE updates from each game this afternoon. I will also be attending the Cal-Mum Boys game at noon.
Other articles you may like:
Section V Boys Basketball Tournament Headquarters – Everything you need to know, right here
