Sandy Valley

January 27, 2011

Central Christian 23

Sandy Valley 49

0-22 after 8:00, 12 TO’s on 17 possessions: these are the glaring numbers in the first quarter; their quickness and physical strength on the perimeter simply dominated us. We were tentative and hesitant, lacking the mental toughness to compete against the Lady Cardinal pressure and denial defense.

23-27 over 24:00, 15 TO’s on 36 possessions: these are the improved numbers over the final three quarters. Two big positives to build on for the stretch run of the season: our offense got the ball to our post players (a big step for us) and we were a season best 10/11 from the free throw line. Additionally, it was helpful to continue the development of our full-court pressure which has to be a difference-maker for us.

Our improved play was a result of our wings going back to fundamentals to get open on the wings, better change of pace and direction cuts allowed us to get into an offensive flow; prior to that we were way to dribble happy! Additionally we played with our heads up so we could see and find the open teammate to execute the pass.

The girls are commended for finding their game, so to speak, and then competing. While it was a tough night for us there continue to be steps of improvement. The next step of improvement has to be how we play in the opening minutes against teams that are equal or better skilled than we are, this is the mental toughness which, as a coach, I am hopeful will emerge.

Statistically we were 6/29 (21%) from the floor, including 1/7 on 3’s; from the lone we were a sizzling 91%. We rebounded nearly even, 18-20. The 27 TO’s on 53 possessions are very frustrating …

Sydney led us in scoring (8) and rebounding (9). Makena 4/4 and Kelly 4/5 led the team at the charity strip. Kelly also scored 7.

Our JV’s came up short 12-26 as we continue to struggle to get good offensive looks.

Saturday we host Christian Community School Saturday; on comparative match-ups (both with double digit wins over Open Door) this could be a close game.