Five Takeaways: St. Frances vs Wilson
In the 3rd Annual Baltimore Hoops Festival, the headlining game was between St. Frances and Wilson (DC). The two teams came into this game regarded as two of the best in the DMV area. Both have also earned national recognition…
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Continue ReadingIn the 3rd Annual Baltimore Hoops Festival, the headlining game was between St. Frances and Wilson (DC). The two teams came into this game regarded as two of the best in the DMV area. Both have also earned national recognition as well. St. Frances looked like a team on a mission as they dismantled the Tigers by a final score of 77-51.
Here are five takeaways from the game:
Rajeir Jones catches fire
Jones has struggled mightily so far this season being consistent with his shot. Last night however, the Chicago State came up huge with a team-high 18 points, 12 of which came off of three’s. St. Frances has one of the most talented guard rotations you’ll find, but when Jones is hitting his shots, their team rises to another level. Wilson changed their defensive schemes several times to try and cool off Jones, but nothing seemed to work.
Mitchell twins use their size
Makhel and Makhi Mitchell were the two biggest players on the floor at all times standing 6-foot-10. The two finished with 13 and 11 points respectively, but were a force inside the paint on the glass and blocking shots. There were plenty of occassions where St. Frances players routinely finish dunks, but with the twins’ presence, it made them hesitate and most time kick the ball back out.
Baldwin paces St. Frances on both ends
If you’re used to seeing St. Frances play, then you know that Ace Baldwin runs the show. Baldwin finished with 14 points, but more impressively, he accepted the role in guarding Boston College commit Jay Heath and gave him fits. Baldwin’s ball pressure and active hands never allowed Heath to feel comfortable and multiple times Baldwin was able to poke the ball away to spark a transition opportunity for his team.
Defense decided the game
There was a clear difference in the two teams on the defensive side of the ball. St. Frances was active, pressuring ball handlers and making weakside rotations. Wilson on the other hand was nonexistent at the guard position defensively. They got beat off the dribble at least a dozen times. It made me think whether or not they were doing it on purpose to send the smaller players towards the twins, but the Panthers were getting wide open lay ups at times. Even though the game of basketball has changed more to an offensive mindset, it’s proven that in big games defense always is the factor behind who wins.
St. Frances is riding high
This win was huge for St. Frances’ confidence. Getting two wins down at the Chick-Fil-A classic, one against the a top player in the country in James Wiseman, and now defeating Wilson will mean danger for teams in the Baltimore area. It seems as if they’re starting to understand if they play tough defense, they can compete with anyone. Looking ahead, they’ll take on John Carroll before a huge game against Boys’ Latin on Jan. 14.