Women's Hoops Blog

Inane commentary on a game that deserves far better


Sunday, April 04, 2010

Something I wondered during the WBCA High School All-Star game (Red defeated White. Box score): How hard is it going to be to officiate the end line?

The court is a dark red and the line is black. Keep an eye on it....

About the game -- from the WBCA:
The future of women's basketball shined bright in the Lone Star State during the 2010 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) High School All-America Game presented by Nike Saturday, as the Red Team held off the White Team to take the title, 101-81.

The White Team got on the board first after Texas A&M recruit Karla Gilbert made her first of two free throws, but the Red Team dominated most of the early game, leading 48-37 at the half. Meighan Simmons (Tennessee signee) scored 15 of her 21 points in the first half to lead the Red Team while Jennifer O’Neill (Kentucky signee) contributed nine of her total 15 points for the White Team in the early going.

In the middle of the second half the Red Team was up by 24 points, but the White Team stayed persistant and eventually were able to cut the lead to 10 with 6:58 remaining, but the damage was already done, and the Red Team coasted to victory.

"It was such an unbelievable honor to be on the Final Four court for the first time and be in the midst of great players and have such high competition," said White Team MVP and Stanford signee Chiney Ogwumike. "It may not have been demonstrated on the score board but we worked hard and learned a lot by playing thru adversity and trying to come back. This game was definitely a memorable experience for me."

Ogwumike scored a game high 24 points to lead the White Team, including a perfect 5 for 5 at the free throw line, while Simmons was the high scorer for the Red Team with 21 points. Red Team MVP Chelsea Gray (Duke signee) had eight steals and went 2 for 4 at the 3-point line to contribute 18 points to the Red Team's tally.

“I was born and raised in Texas and what a great honor for me to coach and be a part of such a prestigious game,” said Red Team coach Teri Morrison. “We had balanced scoring which is rare for an All-America game, and I was blessed to have a team full of kids who were willing to do anything they could.”

For the game, the Red squad shot 46.8 percent and the White Team 38 percent. Both teams had over 40 rebounds, 14 or more assists and double-digits in steals. UConn signee Samarie Walker had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds to help secure the win for the Red Team. Tiffany Moore (Texas signee), Bria Hartley (UConn signee) and Natasha Howard (Florida State signee) each scored points in double digits for the Red Team.

For the White team, Lindsay Sherbert (California signee) contributed 11 points and seven rebounds, Sara James (Stanford signee) added eight points and seven rebounds while Gilbert assisted her team with seven points and seven boards.

Check out the streaming archive here.

FWIW, when considering the "growth of the game," it's not insignificant that the game was held in the Alamodome where the Four is being held. Totally different atmosphere, press on hand for the Four could pop in and pop out -- and grab post game interviews -- without sacrificing time on their "Big Games" stories. They even showed some highlights from last year's game and honored Odyssey Sims (couldn't play because of a friggin' ACL) as High School Player of the Year with a trophy and nice highlight reel.

I wonder what kind of waivers had to be signed, because of the players still being high school students. I saw one NCAA coach, but there's usually a whole bunch of 'em hanging around to watch their future players.... And none of the Coaches of the Year were honored.

I kind miss the D-II, III, NAIA, JC and high school honorees getting their moment in the (public) sun.