Friday, February 13, 2015

California University / Blue Star Holiday Hoop Fest (Re-post-- Original post 1-2-2015)


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.