The Chosen League Girl’s Tournament

Tuesday 8/9

Philly Finest vs Urban Sports Rescue

These two teams were both coming off Losses and they needed to win in order to avoid “Going home and keeping their uniform.”

Philly Finest has a team of mainly Sophomores and they like to play a speedy game. Urban Sports Rescue is a mixed group trying to establish an identity. 

Key Matchups

This was more about style of play instead of individual player matchups.

PF leads with their pressure defense to create scoring opportunities. USR would have to be able to play vs pressure to make this a game.

Turning Point

PF’s Mallory Farr made back to back 3s early in the first half to establish the lead. This set the table for the pressure defense to control the game. 

Standouts 

• #0 Mallory Farr, Philly Finest – Shooting is a lost art. Her catch and shoot 3 point shot found the mark 3 times in the first half. 
• #11 Sanai Johnson, Philly Finest – Provided a spark off the bench. Repeatedly found making the right play on offense for herself or finding teammates. 
• #23 Sakinah Abdus- Salaam, Urban Sports Rescue – Impacted the game the most for her team. Rebounded, handled the ball solidly against pressure, and showed the ability to shoot from the outside.

Hunting Park vs NNN

Same situation as the first game. Whoever wins gets to stay and play the next day. This was match featured a lot of young talent and potential. 

Key Matchups

The front court battle between two young forwards, HP’s Torii Evans and NNN’s Kaiya Raine.  It wasn’t about the points. It was about the competitiveness to rebound and defend with great energy. 

The backcourt battle between HP’s Jessie Moses and NNN’s N. Bennet did not disappoint. Both players had “takeover the game” type of moments.

Turning Point 

End of the first half N. Bennet hit a Steph Curry range 3 pointer at the buzzer. Then started the 2nd half with back to back 3s  to close a 5 point deficit. When the run settled NNN was up 12 and never looked back.

Standouts

• #32 Nal’la Bennet, NNN – Made five 3 pointers to finish with a game high 19. Her points were very loud!
• #20 Jesse Moses, HP – Came off the bench to lead HP with 15 points. The young guard was in attack mode quite often and she was a big reason HP led at half.
•  #23 Gabby Casey, NNN – Showed that she too will make you pay when open from thee. Made three 3 pointers and multiple hustle plays throughout the game.