St. Frances holds fort
Ron Bailey, Publisher
Panthers get win over D.C's Chavez.
December 4, 2012 - Last night Cesar Chavez (DC) traveled
down I-295 to lock horns with St. Frances Academy (Md), for a rare DC-Baltimore
tilt. The home standing Panthers won 79-51, though Chavez’ Eagles
acquitted themselves better than the score illustrates.
SFA used a three minute third quarter spurt fueled by Chavez turnovers to blow the game open; at halftime the home team enjoyed a manageable 32-22 lead. The Panthers got 18 points from senior guard Maurice White in the first stanza, as he canned open jumpers. A beginning-of-the-second quarter zone defense, employed by head coach Nick Myles gave SFA some breathing distance.
Mo White, shooting in the first half.
His teammate, senior guard/forward Tevon Sadler (11 points ) jump started SFA in the second half. But it was senior guard Ty Elliott who, even in defeat stole the show: he deposited 26 points on the score board for Chavez, including seven three pointers. Most of his success came off of drive and kick or curl action, where he shot and caught. To say the Chavez standout scored despite being tracked by SFA defenders, is an understatement.
Elliot's work and that of White earned them i95Ballerz.com co-Baller of the Game honors.
Head Eagle, Malcolm Battle, decried his team’s turnovers and at times lack of defined roles, but was proud of the way his charges competed, despite being on the scoreboard’s downside for much of the game. Chavez is known for battling, and displayed nothing less, despite playing four games in four nights.
Both teams take the floor in the near future, but each has a game that stands out: Chavez locks horns with McNamara on December 16th, while St. Frances will welcome Progressive Christian (MD) on Monday the 10th, a game that boasts the homecoming of the electric and at times controversial Aquille Carr.
Girls Extra:
St. Frances demolished Mercy (MD) 60-15 in the first game. To senior guards, Daja Belt and Tyshell King, led SFA in scoring with 14 and 11 points respectively.
Tyshell King, studying courtside.
The game was ruled by SFA’s diamond press, which not only produced turnovers but discombobulated Mercy’s overall offense. Nevertheless, those in the program, to a person, thought the Lady Panthers didn’t execute well, and pay attention to detail.
King has signed a letter of intent to Georgetown University. The 5’11” guard is known for scoring in bunches, while playing with aggression and energy. Over 50 schools recruited her.
What people need to know is Tyshell is an excellent student – she has a 3.7 GPA – and has previously said “My schoolwork comes before anything”. To her credit, she doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk, and was seen courtside during the boys game courtside, studying.
King has her priorities in order.