Peggy Whitley Classic Championship
Houston’s last big tournament closed with North Shore defeating Clear Springs 55-35 and throughout the tournament several teams learned a lot more about themselves, as well as yours truly. By winning the title back to back, North Shore, even though they have not played well all season, took a cue from Elsik’s amazing finish last season and know they are capable of getting this done and have a legitimate shot at being a contender by playing well at the right time. Elsik really has impressed me this season and although they have lost 7 games, the only team they lost to that I didn’t have ranked ahead of them was Cy Woods by 6 without Jasmine Ocanas and one of my favorite sayings is the game starts at the one. Although those young ladies have stepped up in her absence, especially her younger sister Gabby, that team is not the same without her.
The same should be said for Clear Springs and not having Brooke McCarty. She takes a lot of pressure off of the other players and their big win against Elsik without either starting point guard was a solid complete win by a couple of very good teams however I can’t see either advancing to Austin without those points running the show. Kaylyn Roher (26) and Crystal Porter (30) put together one of the best clutch performances of the season in that Friday night thriller that Springs pulled out 66-63, then Akuna Elonu scores 25 of her teams points in Elsiks loss to Cy Woods 51-45 for 3rd place. Erica Ogwumike truly impressed me throughout the tournament showing her poise despite being a freshman.
Speaking of being impressed by freshmen, Adriiana Jackson has withstood being banged around and harassed by the top players in the area and one of my most vivid memories of the tournament was in their game against Cy Woods in which she was noticeably exhausted however continued to battle, all 5’0 of her as she was named Outstanding Defensive Player. The star of this show was Monique “MVP” Bedford as she blew by defenders either way at will. I understand Courtney Williams being unselfish and even wanting to get everyone involved, there will be times when she needs to realize what she’s working with and who she is however I can’t fault her because what she has given Karina Williams, Brashae Adams and now Jaylan Robinson is much needed confidence that will help them come February.