I just wanted to share my thoughts on Sunday’s section games:
Cornwall-Wallkill:I have been waiting a couple of years to see this matchup, but it didn’t live up to the expectations.
I knew Cornwall was good, and they’ve always been one of the best defensive teams in the section.
But Cornwall’s performance against Wallkill Sunday was very, very impressive.
That fullcourt press was unbelievable. It was relentless and Wallkill just couldn’t handle it. Wallkill had more turnovers (34) than points (22). That’s unheard of for a team with Wallkil’s talent.
What impressed me most is the fact that Cornwall coach Chris Miller lost his top defenders from last year, and had a group of new players who had limited or no varsity experience.
And he was able to transform them into a section champion.
Of course it helps to have point guard Kelsey McDonald, who is the best player in Class A. McDonald does everything on the basketball court. She is one of the best ballhandlers in the section. She plays great defense. She drives, and just her presence on the court is irreplaceable.
McDonald had to step up her game this year because Cornwall lost a lot of its top players, and she has risen to the occasion.
“She is a basketball palyer,” Miller said.
As satisfying as this was for Cornwall, it had to be a major disappointment for Wallkill. Wallkill finally broke through and got to the section final, but had no answer for Cornwall’s press.
Highland-Burke: So I thought this game would be close, too. I was wrong about that, too.
I think Highland’s size and athleticism was too much for Burke in the second half. No way did I think Burke would give up 38 points in the second half. Burke probably didn’t think it would give up that much, either. But they gave Highland the outside shot, and the Huskies knocked them down.
Burke’s Stephanie Naru is a really good shooter, and scored 18 points to keep Burke in it. But Burke really needed Amanda Lynch to get hot from 3-point range, but Highland keyed in on her.
Burke-Highland has turned into a nice friendly rivalry. The teams have met five times in the Class B tournament, but it was their first meeting in the section championship. Highland beat Burke in the semis last year.
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Mira Wassef is the Times Herald-Record girls’ basketball beat writer. This blog will take you inside Section 9 girls’ basketball with news briefs, breaking news, previews, must see games, matchups to watch and general thoughts on basketball in ... Read Full
Cornwall, Highland post impressive wins
I just wanted to share my thoughts on Sunday’s section games:
Cornwall-Wallkill:I have been waiting a couple of years to see this matchup, but it didn’t live up to the expectations.
I knew Cornwall was good, and they’ve always been one of the best defensive teams in the section.
But Cornwall’s performance against Wallkill Sunday was very, very impressive.
That fullcourt press was unbelievable. It was relentless and Wallkill just couldn’t handle it. Wallkill had more turnovers (34) than points (22). That’s unheard of for a team with Wallkil’s talent.
What impressed me most is the fact that Cornwall coach Chris Miller lost his top defenders from last year, and had a group of new players who had limited or no varsity experience.
And he was able to transform them into a section champion.
Of course it helps to have point guard Kelsey McDonald, who is the best player in Class A. McDonald does everything on the basketball court. She is one of the best ballhandlers in the section. She plays great defense. She drives, and just her presence on the court is irreplaceable.
McDonald had to step up her game this year because Cornwall lost a lot of its top players, and she has risen to the occasion.
“She is a basketball palyer,” Miller said.
As satisfying as this was for Cornwall, it had to be a major disappointment for Wallkill. Wallkill finally broke through and got to the section final, but had no answer for Cornwall’s press.
Highland-Burke: So I thought this game would be close, too. I was wrong about that, too.
I think Highland’s size and athleticism was too much for Burke in the second half. No way did I think Burke would give up 38 points in the second half. Burke probably didn’t think it would give up that much, either. But they gave Highland the outside shot, and the Huskies knocked them down.
Burke’s Stephanie Naru is a really good shooter, and scored 18 points to keep Burke in it. But Burke really needed Amanda Lynch to get hot from 3-point range, but Highland keyed in on her.
Burke-Highland has turned into a nice friendly rivalry. The teams have met five times in the Class B tournament, but it was their first meeting in the section championship. Highland beat Burke in the semis last year.