12:05- Coach Bergmann calls a timeout which is the right call as the girls were flustered by NLS' quick start to the second half. The score is 42-41 Streeters and their mojo is GONE. NLS was on a major hot streak there for the first six minutes and I have got to think that was their best punch. In sports though it is often not how hard you hit, but how hard you can get hit and still come back for more. How the Streeters respond to this will be a big clue as to how far this team will go this season.
11:15- The lid is on the hoop for the Streeters right now as they have managed 0 FG's in the second half so far.
11:00- As if hearing me rant, Kali Peschel "RIPS THE LID OFF IT" by driving baseline throwing a fastball off the front of the rim and watching it die and roll gently into the hoop. Man that was the definition of a home roll. Seriously, that shot didn't get above the rim, it was parallel to the rim. If thats an omen for the rest of the game, we are looking good. Streeters 44-41. As I write this Peschel gets a jump ball, she wants this game.
9:57-Tom Oberg proves to be a prophet as he comments on how great the Streeter ball movement has been this possession mere seconds before Greenwaldt hits a huge three pointer.
8:50-Peschel hits an NBA three pointer to cap an 8-0 Streeter run. The crowd is going ballistic. Wow, great timeout by Coach Bergmann. He really seems to have a good read on his charges, which is an awesome thing to have on a potentially state bound team. There's the difference between last years team and this years. The mental toughness is there to take the Wildcats best punch and not wilt. When Bergmann called the timeout, that was the exact point where the girls had lost it in previous years. 50-41 Streeters
8:30- I would be remiss if i didn't acknowledge the potential in New London's frontcourt. They have size and do a very good job of facing the basket which puts tremendous pressure on a defensive player. They are not finishing tonight, partly because of the Streeters, partly because of immaturity. Either way, if those things get corrected by the next time the girls play, look for a different game plan from NLS.
8:09- Peschel fires up a heat check missle, and misses the target. Not the best shot, but man she was feeling it up until then. If that would have went in the crowd would have lost their mind.
7:40- NLS hits a three to pull it withi 5 at 50-45. Well no one expected them to lay down. It really looks like we could be setting up for a fantastic finish.
7:30- #25 for NLS pulls up from Melrose..........and hits it. That was way out there. 50-48 Streeters
7:00- Greenwaldt answers by channeling George Gervin with a sweet finger roll off the backboard and in. BIG Basket.
6:50-NLS with a bad offensive foul. That is a killer on an important possession.
2:52- I decided to try and watch the game for a bit instead of writing. About 2 minutes later I found myself yelling at the ref about a non-call from the stage area and a couple things occurred to me. 1. Probably shouldn't be doing that when I'm sitting in an area where no one else is sitting. 2. I am in way too close of proximity to the refs. And 3. It was a bad call. Anyway back from my tangent, the Streeters lead 56-52 after some quality basketball from both squads. Should be an exciting last two minutes.
2:31-NLS out of a timeout down 4 with the ball.
2:01-Peschel with a huge rebound. Quite the play. Peschel got the rebound above two NLS players and fell down after grabbing the ball. While she was falling she had the presence of mind to start dribbling Harlem Globetrotter style to avoid a turnover. The Alexandria Aces finally comes in handy during a game.
1:53-Peschel is fouled on the other end and has ice running through her veins as she sinks 2 free throws. The crowd is starting to get antsy with anticipation.
1:45- Blown travel call leads to shooting foul as NLS pulls it within 4 at 58-54. Seriously that girl tried doing the electric slide before dribbling. That was a horrible call. I hope it doesn't come back to bite the Streeters.
1:32-Greenwaldt to the line. She sinks the first and............................sinks the second. All the girls are having their moments tonight. 60-54
1:00-Peschel steals the ball and the crowd is just going nuts. She kicks ahead to Rieland and the layup just rims out. I think that would have been the dagger, but I suppose it was just karma getting even for Peschel's crazy roll earlier in the game. The crowd lets out an audible groan as the layup rims out and NLS grabs the rebound.
50 seconds- Peschel steals the ball that was just seconds ago stolen from her. She steals the stolen. That sounds like the punch line to a really bad riddle.
21.2 seconds- 62-58 as Peschel hits two big free throws. The Streeters have been awesome from the line all night, another sign of a good team.
6.5 seconds- Streeters miss the back end of a free throw and Savanna Weller explodes into the lane to get an offensive rebound and draw a foul. Just a tremendous hustle play from one of the unsung heroes on tonight's game. Peschel gets a lot of the spotlight, but this team is deep and each player understands and more importantly EMBRACES her role.
FINAL: Streeters 63 Wildcats 58
Post game thoughts
-Peschel 22, Greenwaldt 18, Rieland 14, Weller 5, Gruber 3, Nelson 1
-These teams are on a collision course for the future, both the next time they meet and in the section finals.
-The Streeters have several girls who on any given night can take over the lead for the game. This is a luxury that the Streeters must exploit for the rest of the season.
-Coach Bergmann has his girls believing in themselves and in his system.
Nicely done Isaac. Thanks fans - the girls greatly appreciate your tremendous support.
ReplyDeleteScott Bergman