IAABO Tournament

[intelligenthoodlum]

A must-see, for the discriminating high school girls basketball sports fan who chooses to care about the RBR Top-25 rankings...

At PGCC, starting on 12/27/07.

Forest Park versus Blake (2 PM) - a lot of running around, for both teams; the game will come down to the play of Forest Park's Danielle Jackson (5'4", 2009) versus the WCAC-seasoned coaching of Blake.
PREDICTION: Blake

Academy of the Holy Cross versus C.H. Flowers (4 PM) - AHC can be a little too soft at times, and CHF can be a little too physical at times. They'll meet in the middle, and then this game should come down to which guard plays better for her team: AHC's Shontice Simmons (5'6", 2008), or CHF's Terran Quattlebaum (5'4", 2008).
PREDICTION: Academy of the Holy Cross

Arundel versus Largo (6 PM) - a rematch from last year's IAABO, and Arundel should be on get-back mode. Largo has a real go-to player in rough-it-off Tiera Smith (5'8", 2010); but Largo doesn't have the horses they had last year, and Watson/Davis/Jones/Vails/Egwu should be too much to deal with.
PREDICTION: Arundel

St. Frances Academy versus Riverdale Baptist (8 PM) - SFA's coach Shelton always seems to get it done; RB's coaches Miller/Lynch don't seem to quite get it done. This game will hinge on if SFA's versatile post Kandace Green (6'0", 2008) will get it done, versus if RB's versatile post Tianna Hawkins (6'2", 2009) can get it done.
PREDICTION: St. Frances Academy

In the semi-finals on 12/28, the IH predicts AHC over Blake, and Arundel over SFA (again, on get-back, in a re-match...).

In the finals on 12/29, the IH predicts...

To be continued, to be sure, on 12/28, sports fans...

[pgcop]

ih with riverdale favored by 6, and flowers favored by 3 are your predictions straight up or with the spread?

[intelligenthoodlum]

Straight up, no chaser.

The IH never goes with a spread, in high school girls basketball. Too many off-the-court variables that can get in a teenage girl's head...

[HighLevel]

Forest Park versus Blake (2 PM) - a lot of running around, for both teams; the game will come down to the play of Forest Park's Danielle Jackson (5'4", 2009) versus the WCAC-seasoned coaching of Blake.
PREDICTION: Blake

I've never seen Blake play and haven't seen Forest Park this year. I'm familiar with D. Jackson and that's about it. Based on everyone's cry to have Blake ranked....
PREDICTION: Blake

Academy of the Holy Cross versus C.H. Flowers (4 PM) - AHC can be a little too soft at times, and CHF can be a little too physical at times. They'll meet in the middle, and then this game should come down to which guard plays better for her team: AHC's Shontice Simmons (5'6", 2008), or CHF's Terran Quattlebaum (5'4", 2008).
PREDICTION: Academy of the Holy Cross

Flowers didn't look good late in the game against Wise last week and couldn't finish the young Pumas off. The constant 2-1-2 full court pressure of AHC combined with missed assignmens on "D" will cause plenty of problems for Flowers.

PREDICTION: AHC

Arundel versus Largo (6 PM) - a rematch from last year's IAABO, and Arundel should be on get-back mode. Largo has a real go-to player in rough-it-off Tiera Smith (5'8", 2010); but Largo doesn't have the horses they had last year, and Watson/Davis/Jones/Vails/Egwu should be too much to deal with.
PREDICTION: Arundel

I love the lefty's (T. Smith) game and her ability to create her own shot but Largo graduated entirely too much to contend with Arundel's size. Even their slow style of play will prevail in this game.

PREDICTION: ARUNDEL

St. Frances Academy versus Riverdale Baptist (8 PM) - SFA's coach Shelton always seems to get it done; RB's coaches Miller/Lynch don't seem to quite get it done. This game will hinge on if SFA's versatile post Kandace Green (6'0", 2008) will get it done, versus if RB's versatile post Tianna Hawkins (6'2", 2009) can get it done.
PREDICTION: St. Frances Academy

Why not save the best for last? SFA is always well coached and I expect them to be prepared for war as always. B-more teams (high school and AAU) know how to bring the bump and grind to the court. I'm not sure if RB has enough players that are willing to roll up their sleeves and bump and grind all night so the edge goes to SFA. RB's latest troubles may send an inspired group out onto the floor with something to prove. I look for the Hawkins twins to hold their own and make the post game a wash. The difference very well could be the guard play of Saunders, Franklin and Fossett. I give this edge to RB. Close games are normally decided by the X's and O's down the stretch. I give the edge to SFA. The last factor is going to be the crowd. SFA always travels deep but home is home.

PREDICTION: RIVERDALE

I need to see Thursday's games before picking the semi's and finals. To be continued...................

[dcballer]

Based off this game against Forest Park.........ummm, no. I dont even consider Forest Park a top notch program for real. Up to this 3rd quarter i'm watchin??? NO. I'll check them again in a month or so.
________
Chrysler New Yorker (http://www.dodge-wiki.com/wiki/Chrysler_New_Yorker)

[lboogie]

I've never seen Blake play and haven't seen Forest Park this year. I'm familiar with D. Jackson and that's about it. Based on everyone's cry to have Blake ranked....
PREDICTION: Blake

MoCo teams get fried when they leave the nest and roll around the beltway. Paint Branch is the only squad that can hang outside the county line. Too bad they missed playing Murray B from NYC



Flowers didn't look good late in the game against Wise last week and couldn't finish the young Pumas off. The constant 2-1-2 full court pressure of AHC combined with missed assignmens on "D" will cause plenty of problems for Flowers.

PREDICTION: AHC

The game should have never gone to OT even with HC shaky start...credit freshman Lauren Chase for playing real defense in the 4th and OT...she also had a key bucket in OT



I love the lefty's (T. Smith) game and her ability to create her own shot but Largo graduated entirely too much to contend with Arundel's size. Even their slow style of play will prevail in this game.

PREDICTION: ARUNDEL

I am kind of speechless about this one...I am still processing and scratching my head...this gets my WTF award





Why not save the best for last? SFA is always well coached and I expect them to be prepared for war as always. B-more teams (high school and AAU) know how to bring the bump and grind to the court. I'm not sure if RB has enough players that are willing to roll up their sleeves and bump and grind all night so the edge goes to SFA. RB's latest troubles may send an inspired group out onto the floor with something to prove. I look for the Hawkins twins to hold their own and make the post game a wash. The difference very well could be the guard play of Saunders, Franklin and Fossett. I give this edge to RB. Close games are normally decided by the X's and O's down the stretch. I give the edge to SFA. The last factor is going to be the crowd. SFA always travels deep but home is home.

PREDICTION: RIVERDALE

SFA was missing their other guard and Candace got hurt...Riverdale should have won by more. Saunders played well.

[intelligenthoodlum]

Forest Park versus Blake (2 PM) - a lot of running around, for both teams; the game will come down to the play of Forest Park's Danielle Jackson (5'4", 2009) versus the WCAC-seasoned coaching of Blake.
PREDICTION: Blake
ACTUAL RESULT: Forest Park
Yes, sports fans, the IH was wrong; it DOES happen, and you all just HAVE to get over it. And this game does prove that, once again, you can be the most experienced coach in the building; but at some point, a mob on a mission is GOING to run your team out of that building, and it ain't gonna be anything you can do about it.

Academy of the Holy Cross versus C.H. Flowers (4 PM) - AHC can be a little too soft at times, and CHF can be a little too physical at times. They'll meet in the middle, and then this game should come down to which guard plays better for her team: AHC's Shontice Simmons (5'6", 2008), or CHF's Terran Quattlebaum (5'4", 2008).
PREDICTION: Academy of the Holy Cross
ACTUAL RESULT: Academy of the Holy Cross
The college coaches in attendance wanted to know who #1 was; well, Shontice Simmons showed them that she was a great get for Central Connecticut State, as she played like a college-signed point guard. Homegirl cutie Terran Quattlebaum wasn't bad, but she didn't fill up the stat sheet for Chuckie Flowers like that.

Arundel versus Largo (6 PM) - a rematch from last year's IAABO, and Arundel should be on get-back mode. Largo has a real go-to player in rough-it-off Tiera Smith (5'8", 2010); but Largo doesn't have the horses they had last year, and Watson/Davis/Jones/Vails/Egwu should be too much to deal with.
PREDICTION: Arundel
ACTUAL RESULT: Arundel
Arundel didn't play Largo in last year's IAABO? Oh, well. By the way, when Watson/Davis/Jones/Vails/Egwu WERE on the court together for Arundel, Largo was a distant memory. But what's up with the funk from Arundel's bench babies? And why Largo, a team full of athletic guards, would let a sophomore guard for Arundel run her offense on them is a mystery to the IH.

St. Frances Academy versus Riverdale Baptist (8 PM) - SFA's coach Shelton always seems to get it done; RB's coaches Miller/Lynch don't seem to quite get it done. This game will hinge on if SFA's versatile post Kandace Green (6'0", 2008) will get it done, versus if RB's versatile post Tianna Hawkins (6'2", 2009) can get it done.
PREDICTION: St. Frances Academy
ACTUAL RESULT: Riverdale Baptist
1. Without Green--ankle sprain--SFA lost their ringer to run RB out of the gym; she scored 10 points, but her absence was worth 15 more TEAM points that SFA didn't get. And the usually unflappable-in-their-running-around SFA guards more than met their match in the RB guards, who weren't going for it last night. And Rahneeka Saunders is starting to play like the point guard the IH saw when she was in the 7th-/8th-grades...

Yesterday was a point guard day at the IAABO, sports fans--the teams who won were the teams who had the best point guard play. Danielle Jackson/Forest Park (5'4", 2009); Shontice Simmons/Academy of the Holy Cross (5'6", 2008); Talen Watson/Arundel (5'8", 2010); and Rahneeka Saunders/Riverdale Baptist (5'6", 2009).
And the IH feels that the outcomes of today's semifinals will hinge on how well each point guard runs her team, and on THE GAME WITHIN THE GAME between the point guards.

These two point guard matchups should be worth today's $10.00 admission price, sports fans...

[SWISH]

:mad: Arundel fell to Riverdale Baptist 50 - 43 in a game where the final score was closer than the actual game. In large part because of poor officiating and the Head Coach of Arundel making poor substitutions and not adding any value to his team at all. Arundel needs a new coach. Mr. Lee "Put it on the floor" Rogers the achilles heel of a pretty talented team.

Arundel down at the half - Rogers spends half time chewing out his Sophomore Point Guard for making chess passes instead of bounce passes to perimeter shooters. Who taught this guy basketball??? He adds NO advantage to his team. His agenda is for his "star" players to showcase. If not, he looks for someone to blame other than their missed shots.

[SkyRider23]

Hey SWISH, I sure hope you are not a disgruntled parent venting on the net because your daughter didn't get the amount of playing time you felt she deserves...I kind of understand your frustration because sometime parents don't always look at a situation that a coach does who is trying to make the right decison about a game-time situation that will enable his/her team to succeed rather than show-casing individual player's talents. Hang in there and try to give your daughter's coach as much support as possible (please don't get upset at me, just trying to help).:)

[smokeyhip4]

Hey SWISH, I sure hope you are not a disgruntled parent venting on the net because your daughter didn't get the amount of playing time you felt she deserves...I kind of understand your frustration because sometime parents don't always look at a situation that a coach does who is trying to make the right decison about a game-time situation that will enable his/her team to succeed rather than show-casing individual player's talents. Hang in there and try to give your daughter's coach as much support as possible (please don't get upset at me, just trying to help).:)

I second the above Swish. My question is how do you know exactly what went on in the locker room during half time? On the other hand I too was puzzled by Lee's lack of making adjustments. Rememeber RB really did not try to score from the 3:50 mark on, they had two shoot clock violations which cost Arundel one min. of time. WHY DID HE STAY IN A ZONE????:eek:

[rabbit09]

No coverage from the Washington Post...understandable. But no comments (good or bad) about a good game...interesting. I am sure there were some of you that were there, who give those great break-downs of games in the past. Give the girls some feed back. It is about the girls...right.

If anyones analysis was forthcoming, diregard this...just used to seeing you guys analysis a little earlier.

[pgcop]

rabbit scientist say you must allow at least a week for half a turkey to digest and 10 days for the chitterling smell to leave your clothing. as far as the iabbo after day one I didn't bother to return it seemed at that point the scripted title was layed out. after the intitial hype of who's not coaching whom, the upset of hc over flowers where ms. simmons was great controlling the 4th & ot attacking the rim when the coaches and crowd are saying "she's going right" the defender plays her a foot and a half to the right and she still goes right and gains a 2 step advantage before getting fouled at the basket and ms. chase holding it down as a frosh with big ft's. then you have arundel playing games with largo, rbs making a close game with bmores finest with what should have been a cake walk. what was left to see? rbs was undoubtedly going to play arundel & hc whom they have dismantelled both in dismall games this fall and winter. hats off to both for competing would have love to see rbs in a more competitve tourney & hc arundel matchup. blake made me want a refund but danni was a bright spot for fp but after that...rabbit09 why don't you give us your review on the championship?

[NOVABall08]

rabbit scientist say you must allow at least a week for half a turkey to digest and 10 days for the chitterling smell to leave your clothing. as far as the iabbo after day one I didn't bother to return it seemed at that point the scripted title was layed out. after the intitial hype of who's not coaching whom, the upset of hc over flowers where ms. simmons was great controlling the 4th & ot attacking the rim when the coaches and crowd are saying "she's going right" the defender plays her a foot and a half to the right and she still goes right and gains a 2 step advantage before getting fouled at the basket and ms. chase holding it down as a frosh with big ft's. then you have arundel playing games with largo, rbs making a close game with bmores finest with what should have been a cake walk. what was left to see? rbs was undoubtedly going to play arundel & hc whom they have dismantelled both in dismall games this fall and winter. hats off to both for competing would have love to see rbs in a more competitve tourney & hc arundel matchup. blake made me want a refund but danni was a bright spot for fp but after that...rabbit09 why don't you give us your review on the championship?

you know arundel lost to good counsel right?

http://www.iaabo134.org/tourney-girlbasketball/tourney-girlbasketball08/christmastourney-pairings.htm

none of your matchup predictions are even possible....

[NOVABall08]

From Iaabo.

Forest Park thumped Henry Wise yesterday 61-38.

CH Flowers squeaked by Northwestern in a sloppy contest 45-40. (Neither of these teams would fair well in NOVA without better guard play..the bigs were good, Flowers press will be exposed later today by FP.)

Largo beat South County 57-54 in the best game of the day. Long game due to so many fouls called. Duval is going to lose to Largo by a cool 30.

predictions for today in BOLD.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2008
Game 7 -- 12:00 p.m. Wise HS vs. Northwestern HS
Game 8 -- 1:30 p.m. Arundel HS vs. Blake HS
Game 9 -- 3:00 p.m. Largo HS vs. Duval HS
Game 10 -- 4:30 p.m. Georgetown Visitation vs. South County HS
Game 11 -- 6:00 p.m. Forest Park HS vs. C.H. Flowers HS
Game 12 -- 7:30 p.m. Good Counsel HS vs. Riverdale Baptist HS

[dcballer]

what the heck?? can someone dispense some explanation on how/why that score was the way it was??

Who else impressed...who else disappointed?
________
Extreme q (http://vaporizer.org/)

[teammom4]

you know arundel lost to good counsel right?

http://www.iaabo134.org/tourney-girlbasketball/tourney-girlbasketball08/christmastourney-pairings.htm

none of your matchup predictions are even possible....

a dollar short! PGC's post was from last year. But thanks for the current updates of the goings on.

[NOVABall08]

a dollar short! PGC's post was from last year. But thanks for the current updates of the goings on.


ohhhhh i claim new user clemency /duck.

[teammom4]

ohhhhh i claim new user clemency /duck.

LOL! I know we're crazy 'round these parts, but not THAT crazy! Keep us posted, if ya can please...

Day 2 results:
Arundel 66 Blake 51
RBS 47 GC 42
details anyone?

[smokeyhip4]

From Iaabo.

Forest Park thumped Henry Wise yesterday 61-38.

CH Flowers squeaked by Northwestern in a sloppy contest 45-40. (Neither of these teams would fair well in NOVA without better guard play..the bigs were good, Flowers press will be exposed later today by FP.)

Largo beat South County 57-54 in the best game of the day. Long game due to so many fouls called. Duval is going to lose to Largo by a cool 30.

predictions for today in BOLD.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2008
Game 7 -- 12:00 p.m. Wise HS vs. Northwestern HS
Game 8 -- 1:30 p.m. Arundel HS vs. Blake HS
Game 9 -- 3:00 p.m. Largo HS vs. Duval HS
Game 10 -- 4:30 p.m. Georgetown Visitation vs. South County HS
Game 11 -- 6:00 p.m. Forest Park HS vs. C.H. Flowers HS
Game 12 -- 7:30 p.m. Good Counsel HS vs. Riverdale Baptist HS
Do you mean PG couldn't compete in NOVA. You tripping...
Don't let the good taste fool you. We go hard just a bad night...

[NOVABall08]

Do you mean PG couldn't compete in NOVA. You tripping...
Don't let the good taste fool you. We go hard just a bad night...

Do you mean PG couldn't compete in NOVA. You tripping...
Don't let the good taste fool you. We go hard just a bad night...

PG could compete in NOVA..you have better bigs than we do round here....the G play is lacking from the few teams i've seen in the IAABO so far is all.

I gotta get some props on calling these games though.

my predictions:

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2008
Game 7 -- 12:00 p.m. Wise HS vs. Northwestern HS
Game 8 -- 1:30 p.m. Arundel HS vs. Blake HS
Game 9 -- 3:00 p.m. Largo HS vs. Duval HS
Game 10 -- 4:30 p.m. Georgetown Visitation vs. South County HS
Game 11 -- 6:00 p.m. Forest Park HS vs. C.H. Flowers HS
Game 12 -- 7:30 p.m. Good Counsel HS vs. Riverdale Baptist HS

Actual results

Game 7 -- 12:00 p.m. Wise HS 49, Northwestern HS 35
Game 8 -- 1:30 p.m. Arundel HS 66, Blake HS 51
Game 9 -- 3:00 p.m. Largo HS 63, Duval HS 43
Game 10 -- 4:30 p.m. South County HS 49, Georgetown Visitation 48
Game 11 -- 6:00 p.m. Forest Park HS 54, C.H. Flowers HS 29
Game 12 -- 7:30 p.m. Riverdale Baptist HS 47, Good Counsel HS 42

6 for 6 ain't bad.


South County must be finding themselves extremely fortunate to have pulled out their win in OT. GV looked like they were going to run away with the game but lackluster interior defense let South County come back and win the game.

Wise attoned for a poor showing vs FP and took care of business vs NWHS.

I missed most of the Arundel Blake match and Duval is by far the weakest team in the mix in this year's tourny.

FP pulled most of their starters including Danni Jackson with 7 minutes to go in the game with Flowers...this one wasn't even close.

Good Counsel gave Riverdale all they could handle for 3 1/2 quarters. If you've never seen Tianna and Tierra Hawkins play you're missing a real treat as they are a lethal twin towers in the paint for Riverdale. The Hawkins probably accounted for 85% of Riverdale's points. GC kept it close mostly b/c every player on GC is comfortable tossing up the trey and while they didn't knock them down it created tons of O rebounds off of long misses.

next up..predictions in BOLD.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008
Game 13 -- 12:00 p.m. Northwestern HS vs. Blake HS

--blake deals with Northwestern's trap they win, they don't then i made a bad pick here.

Game 14 -- 1:30 p.m. Wise HS vs. Arundel HS

--Wise keeps it close until midway through the 3rd.

Game 15 -- 3:00 p.m. Duval HS vs. South County

--South County does not have an impressive squad. They aren't fast, their bigs don't finish well near the basket and their defensive pressure leaves alot to be desired. That being said they will take care of Duval who is not on the same level as anyone else in the tourny.

Game 16 -- 4:30 p.m. C.H. Flowers HS vs. Good Counsel HS

--Flowers bigs could hurt GC especially if they play the weak interior defense that they did vs Riverdale. I expect GC will knock down many more trey's vs a defense that applies much less pressure than Riverdale though.

Nat Gramblin Championship Bracket
Game 17 -- 6:00 p.m. Largo HS (NG#1) vs. Georgetown Visitation (NG#2)

--GV showed vs South County they don't have the ability to put anyone away when they have them down. If Largo solves the GV zone early they win this going away.

Joe Chase Championship Bracket
Game 18 -- 7:30 p.m. Forest Park HS vs. Riverdale Baptist HS

This is going to be pure excitement to watch as one of NOVAs best battles one of MD's best. Riverdale is big across the boards and FP is not. FP has played better D and has the ability (not saying they will) to keep the Hawkins sisters from winning the game. FP might be a bit of a homer pick but I expect a great contest and Gerda Gatling and Danni Jackson to be the difference makers in the end.

[4street]

I'm not shocked that Forest Park has won the first 2 games, that was expected. What is shocking is the margin of victory in those 2 games. Everyone knows that a VA team (HS or AAU) that travels to PG is down 15-0 on the scoreboard by the time their bus touches the Maryland side of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Wise only scored 12 points in the second half of their game, while Flowers could only muster 29 for an entire game? This is supposed to be a down year for NOVA girls ball, what is going on in PG?

[quimica2]

Adding to the PG misery, Lee destroyed Bladensburg at the MBOA tourney...was 45-12 after three quarters...up to the private schools to defend the PG turf now.

[smokeyhip4]

I'm not shocked that Forest Park has won the first 2 games, that was expected. What is shocking is the margin of victory in those 2 games. Everyone knows that a VA team (HS or AAU) that travels to PG is down 15-0 on the scoreboard by the time their bus touches the Maryland side of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Wise only scored 12 points in the second half of their game, while Flowers could only muster 29 for an entire game? This is supposed to be a down year for NOVA girls ball, what is going on in PG?

Adding to the PG misery, Lee destroyed Bladensburg at the MBOA tourney...was 45-12 after three quarters...up to the private schools to defend the PG turf now.

You two are about to open up a can of worms. First quhimica Misery is not the choice of words I would use. Remember PG is ONE County NOVa is by my county 4-5 counties. And we always have players that can compete year after year after year. This year is no exception.
4street why do you only cosign with negitive comments? Do you just like to start sh*Years ago you are the same person who stated that the only thing PG county teams could do was pressure the ball and NOVa players were smarter (paraphrase). That comment still resonates in my memory thus your credibility for me is tainted. Maybe I am wrong but that my perception.

[4street]

That's just not true. Knowing what PG county represents in a context far greater than girls basketball, making a statement on the intelligence or lack thereof for an entire county isn't something I'd get involved in. Wha is true is that PG Public Schools girls basketball teams for whatever reason are not looking good this Christmas season.

[HighLevel]

That's just not true. Knowing what PG county represents in a context far greater than girls basketball, making a statement on the intelligence or lack thereof for an entire county isn't something I'd get involved in. Wha is true is that PG Public Schools girls basketball teams for whatever reason are not looking good this Christmas season.

"Fundamentals overwhelm athletics"

FP may be a post player away! I like their chances against RBS. I'm with NOVABall08 (not saying they will but they have the ability to make it rough) on this one. FP's big girl is athletic and active enough to make Tianna Hawkins (man she has some soft hands) earn her money. Gerda Gatling is extremely athletic and busy around the lane on the defensive end and could possibly cause some problems for Tierra Hawkins or maybe not. Should be a good game.

[teammom4]

After leaving the DCIAA's version of a holiday tournament where HD doubled up on the 19pt whooping they put on Coolidge the first time, I couldn't help wanting just a little more, so I rolled over to the IABBO championship game.

RB 55 - FP 31

This was my first time up in the IAABO, period. It was a good little set-up I must say. Packed parking lot and house, great atmosphere.
Now, in the battle of the BWE PG's, I'll just say both guards showed why they were with Boo, and why they're going D1. It was a lid on it for DJ, but she played through her frustration and was all over the place as she's known to be.
HL, I would've thought the same of the FP big at first glance, (and did, and was wondering why no one was talking about her) but once I watched her, I saw that she just needs a little more work with her hands and footwork. Gerda Gatling. I LOVE THAT NAME, it sounds like it should be up in lights! Anyway, I saw flashes from her as well, but the Park just couldn't keep the early momentum they had going.
I see RB isn't really missing a beat without Miss. Franklin, they are a legit problem. I was elated to see JJ Jazmine(sp) Johnson doing her BIG GIRL thing! She's a stud, I've liked her game a long time.

I hope FP has more in the re-duex. I still left wanting a little
more.:cool:
Side notes: After the freshman loosened up for FP you could see that she may be a little something in the future, their sr guard wasn't half bad either. They subbed in #30 late in the game and after seeing her try to make things happen a few times, I felt maybe they should've called her number a little sooner. No monster, just a serious hustler.

[NOVABall08]

the REAL score in the RD FP game was as follows

RD 62 Rebounds FP 30 Rebounds.

RD simply slaughtered FP on the glass on both ends of the court. At one point RD played patticake with the ball on FPs basket getting 7 offensive boards before putting it down.

I did find out some 'insider' information turns out both Gatling and Jackson are suffering from the stomach flu, Gatling threw up before the game and at halftime, could this have contributed to their combined 4 for 31 shooting effort? or is RD defense just that good? maybe both?

so maybe the rematch next week will be a more worthwhile contest as FP gets a chance to play more healthy.

All props to Riverdale though...that is a team chock full of studs and they deserved the championship.

Side notes: After the freshman loosened up for FP you could see that she may be a little something in the future, their sr guard wasn't half bad either. They subbed in #30 late in the game and after seeing her try to make things happen a few times, I felt maybe they should've called her number a little sooner. No monster, just a serious hustler.

The senior guard you are speaking of is Shayla Drakeford, she's the only senior on FP without a D1 offer. would love to see her land one. she's a lockdown 1 on 1 defender that's not easy to find in this day and age.

[NOVABall08]

PG could compete in NOVA..you have better bigs than we do round here....the G play is lacking from the few teams i've seen in the IAABO so far is all.

I gotta get some props on calling these games though.

my predictions:

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2008
Game 7 -- 12:00 p.m. Wise HS vs. Northwestern HS
Game 8 -- 1:30 p.m. Arundel HS vs. Blake HS
Game 9 -- 3:00 p.m. Largo HS vs. Duval HS
Game 10 -- 4:30 p.m. Georgetown Visitation vs. South County HS
Game 11 -- 6:00 p.m. Forest Park HS vs. C.H. Flowers HS
Game 12 -- 7:30 p.m. Good Counsel HS vs. Riverdale Baptist HS

Actual results

Game 7 -- 12:00 p.m. Wise HS 49, Northwestern HS 35
Game 8 -- 1:30 p.m. Arundel HS 66, Blake HS 51
Game 9 -- 3:00 p.m. Largo HS 63, Duval HS 43
Game 10 -- 4:30 p.m. South County HS 49, Georgetown Visitation 48
Game 11 -- 6:00 p.m. Forest Park HS 54, C.H. Flowers HS 29
Game 12 -- 7:30 p.m. Riverdale Baptist HS 47, Good Counsel HS 42

6 for 6 ain't bad.


South County must be finding themselves extremely fortunate to have pulled out their win in OT. GV looked like they were going to run away with the game but lackluster interior defense let South County come back and win the game.

Wise attoned for a poor showing vs FP and took care of business vs NWHS.

I missed most of the Arundel Blake match and Duval is by far the weakest team in the mix in this year's tourny.

FP pulled most of their starters including Danni Jackson with 7 minutes to go in the game with Flowers...this one wasn't even close.

Good Counsel gave Riverdale all they could handle for 3 1/2 quarters. If you've never seen Tianna and Tierra Hawkins play you're missing a real treat as they are a lethal twin towers in the paint for Riverdale. The Hawkins probably accounted for 85% of Riverdale's points. GC kept it close mostly b/c every player on GC is comfortable tossing up the trey and while they didn't knock them down it created tons of O rebounds off of long misses.

next up..predictions in BOLD.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008
Game 13 -- 12:00 p.m. Northwestern HS vs. Blake HS

--blake deals with Northwestern's trap they win, they don't then i made a bad pick here.

Game 14 -- 1:30 p.m. Wise HS vs. Arundel HS

--Wise keeps it close until midway through the 3rd.

Game 15 -- 3:00 p.m. Duval HS vs. South County

--South County does not have an impressive squad. They aren't fast, their bigs don't finish well near the basket and their defensive pressure leaves alot to be desired. That being said they will take care of Duval who is not on the same level as anyone else in the tourny.

Game 16 -- 4:30 p.m. C.H. Flowers HS vs. Good Counsel HS

--Flowers bigs could hurt GC especially if they play the weak interior defense that they did vs Riverdale. I expect GC will knock down many more trey's vs a defense that applies much less pressure than Riverdale though.

Nat Gramblin Championship Bracket
Game 17 -- 6:00 p.m. Largo HS (NG#1) vs. Georgetown Visitation (NG#2)

--GV showed vs South County they don't have the ability to put anyone away when they have them down. If Largo solves the GV zone early they win this going away.

Joe Chase Championship Bracket
Game 18 -- 7:30 p.m. Forest Park HS vs. Riverdale Baptist HS

This is going to be pure excitement to watch as one of NOVAs best battles one of MD's best. Riverdale is big across the boards and FP is not. FP has played better D and has the ability (not saying they will) to keep the Hawkins sisters from winning the game. FP might be a bit of a homer pick but I expect a great contest and Gerda Gatling and Danni Jackson to be the difference makers in the end.


actual results:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008
Game 13 -- 12:00 p.m. Blake HS 63, Northwestern HS 34 (hit it)
Game 14 -- 1:30 p.m. Arundel HS 50, Wise HS 43 (hit it)
Game 15 -- 3:00 p.m. South County HS 53, Duval HS 27 (hit it)
Game 16 -- 4:30 p.m. Good Counsel HS 65, C.H. Flowers HS 35 (hit it)
Nat Gramblin Championship Bracket
Game 17 -- 6:00 p.m. Georgetown Visitation 75, Largo HS 61 (whiffed)
Joe Chase Championship Bracket
Game 18 -- 7:30 p.m. Riverdale Baptist HS 55, Forest Park HS 31 (whiffed)

10-12 in the pick ems. i knew picking FP was a reach but went with the local team :) Riverdale is simply a well put together squad.

[LetsKeepItReal]

actual results:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008
Game 13 -- 12:00 p.m. Blake HS 63, Northwestern HS 34 (hit it)
Game 14 -- 1:30 p.m. Arundel HS 50, Wise HS 43 (hit it)
Game 15 -- 3:00 p.m. South County HS 53, Duval HS 27 (hit it)
Game 16 -- 4:30 p.m. Good Counsel HS 65, C.H. Flowers HS 35 (hit it)
Nat Gramblin Championship Bracket
Game 17 -- 6:00 p.m. Georgetown Visitation 75, Largo HS 61 (whiffed)
Joe Chase Championship Bracket
Game 18 -- 7:30 p.m. Riverdale Baptist HS 55, Forest Park HS 31 (whiffed)

10-12 in the pick ems. i knew picking FP was a reach but went with the local team :) Riverdale is simply a well put together squad.

Hey NOVABall can u say LOCK DOWN, I count 2-20 by the time the game was over for miss DJ, They gave her NO good looks at the basket, she had to work for everything, All 7 points, That is the sign of GREAT TEAM DEFENCE, know one left her open for a free shot, Welcome to PG, Riverdale GETS IT IN !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[HighLevel]

FP's big girl is athletic and active enough to make Tianna Hawkins (man she has some soft hands) earn her money. nooooppe, nope, nope, NO......Big Hawk whaten haven it!!!Gerda Gatling is extremely athletic and busy around the lane on the defensive end and could possibly cause some problems for Tierra Hawkins or maybe not.nooooppe, nope, nope, NO......Lil Hawk whaten haven it either!!! Should be a good game.

Riverdale made it very difficult for DJ. I would have liked to see DJ trust her teammates a lil more but hey she has the green light. The twins play well together. They both appear to have good hands, run the floor well (when they want to) and can finish. That'll really be a tough team to beat when A. Franklin returns.

[4street]

It was simply a case of matchup disadvantages for Forest Park, which made the game look similar to the Heritage/FP State Championship game last season. RB is a well coached/ well balanced, long and athletic national level team, and those teams will give FP fits every time. Jackson had an off night, and although some of that can most definitely be contributed to the team defense of RB in general in denying penetration, and the job of J. Johnson in particular (it was good to see her have a good game) alot of Jackson's shots rimmed in and out on open looks off of pull ups. I wouldn't bet money on another 2 for 20 level "lockdown".

[teammom4]

It was simply a case of matchup disadvantages for Forest Park, which made the game look similar to the Heritage/FP State Championship game last season. RB is a well coached/ well balanced, long and athletic national level team, and those teams will give FP fits every time. Jackson had an off night, and although some of that can most definitely be contributed to the team defense of RB in general in denying penetration, and the job of J. Johnson in particular (it was good to see her have a good game) alot of Jackson's shots rimmed in and out on open looks off of pull ups. I wouldn't bet money on another 2 for 20 level "lockdown".

I agree with a lot of your points EXCEPT I'm not a gambling woman and don't know either team well enough to call that! I also agree with HL's point about DJ trusting her teammates a little more.
I would love to see Part II and the best part is IT WILL HAPPEN! We will all have a verdict very soon.

In what is probably my last post of 2008, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year! Many blessing in 2009:)

[pgcop]

Riverdale is a better team than most because they are an activley recruiting private school. Forest Park deserves a lot of credit for making it that far in the IAABO as well as making the game interesting at times. Dani yes has the green light and she no doubtedly has earned it on her play in the past. In the TC game she started like 0 for 9 or something then caught fire. It is good for a player to feel that comfortable with her coach that she can shoot whenever. Some of her RBS game were highly contested and looked forced, but I think she still makes that shot a lot in other games. RBS's defense did not stop her she just missed, RBS only made her take some tougher shots but she missed the not so tough shots to. Gerda's first shot was a sweet looking 3 from the wing, I'd loved to see her take 5 more of those. The short lightskinned guard hit a 3 early and RBS's defense wouldn't allow her the space to see too many more like that. FP lost to a better team. The thing that was most interesting to me is that the IAABO officials have been so strict with the carrying the ball call, called it several times on RBS on hesitation moves, but wouldn't call DJ on the carry in their own tourney as she carries as a normal part of her dribble. She will need to make an adjustment if her conference officials won't allow that.