Hoopin Through the... Holidays!
CALIFORNIA
PA- For two years now the California University / Blue Star Holiday
Hoop Fest has provided local teams to “find themselves.” The event is
played during the Christmas break… Far enough into the new season that a team sort
of knows who they are but still far enough away from the bulk of section play
that teams can see what they could be. The Cal U staff did a tremendous job
with match-ups. There were a few bad performances but for the most part, games
were competitive and entertaining.
This year’s
event brought not only the promoting power of Blue Star Basketball but the
competition was stepped up with the edition of Hollidaysburg (Hollidaysburg PA)
and renowned Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia PA). Neumann-Goretti arrived in
southwestern PA with a well-earned Christmas gift of the number one ranking in
the country. With that clout, Goretti gave a unique opportunity to two of the
area’s historic programs; Elizabeth Forward and Ringgold.
The task in
front of both the Warriors and Rams were to use their respective games vs NG to
regenerate their programs back to a time when western PA girls’ basketball was
some of the best basketball in the country. The game results were predictable,
Neumann-Goretti won both games pretty easily but that is what was supposed to
happen. The task for both coaches is to not use this as just another loss that
meant nothing… And turn these games around on their kids, parents and
administrations and set a new standard of play. Our hope is that when we bring
a team like Goretti back next year, there are plenty of teams that want to play
that type of team and give them everything they have.
California University / Blue Star Holiday Hoop Fest Quick Hitters
Sianni Martin - (Neumann–Goretti – 5-7,
SR, G – Towson) another of the multitude of stallions in the Neumann-Goretti stable.
Sianni is smart in the open court and can score inside at the hoop or from the
outside… Finds teammates, dynamite on the break.
Conner Richardson - (Carlynton - 5-9,
SR, G - Duquesne) has always had a tenacity about her game… Has overcome a lot
and continues to excel… tough as nails for sure. Can score with anyone but
other skills need some work.
Lexi Posset - (Beaver - 5-8, SR, G - Rider)
is smooth and can get by any ONE player. She will score around the basket.
Claire Oberdorf - (Greensburg Salem -
5-7, SR, G – Marist [Softball]) smooth with the ball in transition, can score
with either hand.
Marlena Schmidt - (Ringgold - 6-6, SR,
F – WVU) big, strong, passes out of the high post well… Not a prolific
offensive threat and needs to play and run hard all the time.
Bailey Cooper – (Ringgold - 5-10, JR,
G) athletic, fast, solid… Finishes a variety of different ways… Has some issues
to work through, but talented for sure.
Abbie Sporio - (Elizabeth Forward, 5-7,
SR, G) can get to the basket and score, sees the open man… Goes a little too
fast at times.
Olivia Barkley - (Elizabeth Forward, 5-9,
SR, G/F) can score, medium to long range jump shot, good in transition
Rebecca Turney - (Canon Mc Millan - 6-2,
JR, F) solid body, can jump, has good hands. Can attack the hoop… Suspect
finisher.
Danielle Parker - (Canon Mc Millan - 5-11,
SR, F) good touch, not afraid to score, above average ball handler.
Ashley McClain - (Hollidaysburg – 5-7,
SR, G) can score, cool under pressure… Has range on her jump shot and handles
the ball well.
Madison Wiltrout – (Connellsville – 5-4,
SO, G) solid ball handler, smart and
can finish.
Lauren Hill – (West Mifflin – 5-9, SR,
F) deceiving skill set, solid, will step out to wing to get to the hoop.
