The Game
DEVRY OWENS & TYARA WARREN
One thing I always do before attending tournaments is scan the brackets to see what may happen and I’m sure I’ve said something about the potential Clear Springs vs Plano West quarterfinal and how it would be a can’t miss. Plano West was the only team that beat Duncanville last season and the only one that has given them a scare this season, losing 61-55 on December 1st. Clear Springs lost to Bellaire earlier this season in the Texas Invitational but have beaten Manvel twice and are still the front runners to get out of Region 3, just as Plano West is in Region 2 so I anticipated this game to be a fight to the finish. I had no idea how much of a fight it would be not to mention a finish that could only be scripted.
Clear Springs jumped ahead in the first quarter and judging by the intensity both teams were bringing not to mention the shooting percentages that were off the chain, I knew this would be a ball game and I was so confident that I used the hashtag #downtothewire. This resulted in the first game I’ve personally watched go five overtimes along with setting what I later found out to be the highest scoring girl’’s game ever, a combined score of 212 points in which Plano West won 107-105.
Several players stood out for both teams so much that I decided to a little something different since I’m innovative in what I do, so here is a tip sheet dedicated to “The Game”
NATALIE CHOU
Plano West
Devry Owens, 5’9 guard, senior-The first time I saw this young lady was when she played for DFW Elite and I was amazed at her release. It appears it has become quicker every time I see her play as she is one of the best catch and shoot players around, well that actually make the shots. The Utah signee scored 27 points before fouling out in OT and I can’t wait to see her at the next level
Allison Staley, 5’9 guard, senior– Everyone needs a player who does things silently that you may not pay attention to as the young lady did a good job of filling up the stat sheet. As silent as her numbers appear, they pop up to impress you when games are over and her three at the buzzer of the first overtime to force number two made plenty of noise to go along with her 15 points
Tyara Warren, 5’8 guard, junior– So many times a player can make a mistake and freeze up. Warren had a five count that could have been costly however she shook it off and completely took over offensively for PW after Owens fouled out. Not only did she take anyone on her off the dribble at will, she showed she could nail it from anywhere and her 28 points led both teams, 14 of which came during the OT periods
Natalie Chou, 6’0 guard, freshman– I was asked by several people before the game could Chou really play. After she came in the first quarter, got the rebound, drove the length of the floor , spun on the defender and hit a fade away 15 footer, that said it all. Chou was superb in this game and has a very bright future. She added 18 points for “The PW” squad
COURTNEY LATHAM, PAIGE TIPPET,JO ANN LIRA, BROOKE McCARTY & KAYLIN ROHER (shooting free throw)
Clear Springs
Courtney Latham, 5’9 guard, senior-I’ve mentioned several times that she will go down as one of the most underrated players to come from our area and when you talk about players doing things silently, Latham’s name should instantly pop up. Her 27 points, 12 in OT, led all Clear Springs players however her mere presence on the floor is worth double digits without making a basket. Tulane has got themselves a monster in the making in CL
Kaylin Roher, 5’5 guard, senior– I won’t even whine about why she hasn’t signed but believe me I love saying “I told you so.” She was simply “ICE” all tournament and her ability to play both guard positions came up huge to say the least. One of the best shooters in the area, Roher’s stroke has returned and she scored over half of her 23 points, (12) in the overtime periods which had me hearing ROARS!
JoAnn Lira, 5’7 guard, senior-Lamar also has landed a prize as Lira simply outthinks you on the floor which was always one of her biggest attributes. This young lady was knocked out of action four times during the overtimes and I wrote she was done after each hit. She wasn’t and she also scored over half of her 20 points (11) in the overtimes. You can’t teach Basketball IQ but even more so, you can’t teach heart
Brooke McCarty, 5’6 guard, junior– If the Texas commit doesn’t foul out in regulation, I doubt seriously if I would have witnessed a thriller like this. Yes she can take over a game and yes she can make her teammates better, both of those are understatements and even though she wasn’t there for the OT, she had much to do with getting them there as she finished with 14 in regulation not to mention cheering them on for the next 20 plus minutes