This core group of Lady Royals have been taught the game of basketball from a very early age. While they do have some talented players, I don't necessarily think they out-talent other teams as much as they out work them, with their aggressive, intense style of play, both, offensively and defensively. The good news for other teams is, if they are will ing to match their intensity, you have a shot at beating them. Bad news is, if your players are not willing to make the choice to play that way, you can forget it.

Mason County is a excellant team and plays great defense. Their tenacious defense created offense all night long. They doubled Cummins 3/4 of the game and at times was triple teamed when driving the lane. No other lady bear could get going offensively so the Mason Co could key in on Cummins with out any problems. We just didnt have a second consistant option to loosen up the defenseive pressure on Cummins. If we could have got another girl to get in an offensive flow then the defense would have had to honor that. It is what it is and Bracken has to learn from it and move on.

 

Only thing I questioned about Mason is to start the 4th quarter up 30 why put the starters back in? The game was well in hand and the reserves were holding their own out there. Again it is what it is. :idunno:

 

The debate about best player in the region is not even a debate really. Mason Co is the best team no denying that but Cummins is the best player. Its hard to put up the numbers she puts up while fighting through double and triple teams most of the night, and that is a credit to Mason Co. defense. One bad shooting game will not define POY. All players face stiffeling defenses on occasion and have sub par games. She will bounce back. The team as a whole has some things to work on but this game showed them some of their weaknesses and will have them better prepared moving forward. As the ole saying goes championships are not won in December.

 

Wish Mason nothing but the best of luck moving forward in the season, and hopefully will meet up with them in late Feb. for a chance at the 39th district crown.

Mason County is a excellant team and plays great defense. Their tenacious defense created offense all night long. They doubled Cummins 3/4 of the game and at times was triple teamed when driving the lane. No other lady bear could get going offensively so the Mason Co could key in on Cummins with out any problems. We just didnt have a second consistant option to loosen up the defenseive pressure on Cummins. If we could have got another girl to get in an offensive flow then the defense would have had to honor that. It is what it is and Bracken has to learn from it and move on.

 

Only thing I questioned about Mason is to start the 4th quarter up 30 why put the starters back in? The game was well in hand and the reserves were holding their own out there. Again it is what it is. :idunno:

 

The debate about best player in the region is not even a debate really. Mason Co is the best team no denying that but Cummins is the best player. Its hard to put up the numbers she puts up while fighting through double and triple teams most of the night, and that is a credit to Mason Co. defense. One bad shooting game will not define POY. All players face stiffeling defenses on occasion and have sub par games. She will bounce back. The team as a whole has some things to work on but this game showed them some of their weaknesses and will have them better prepared moving forward. As the ole saying goes championships are not won in December.

 

Wish Mason nothing but the best of luck moving forward in the season, and hopefully will meet up with them in late Feb. for a chance at the 39th district crown.

 

You are correct. It is mandatory that other Lady Bears take on a more assertive role on the team. If they do, this team will be successful, if not, they will struggle.

With that being said, I think it is important to note, that aside from Cummins and Ruf, there is very little varsity experience on the team. So, only 4 games into the season, I'm sure they're still learning their identity.

Bottom line though, Cummins will on most nights get hers, a successful season will rely on the others stepping up.

Mason doubled team her in the trapping press. Half court, she was guarded by Frodge and O'Mara. Jordan is probably our best defender.

Not speaking for Coach Cox, but it is the third game of the year and our starters had not played that many minutes in this game. Another old coaching saying is winning team does not sub until losing team subs which Bracken never did. Mason starters played less than three quarters in the game while three Bracken starters played near the entire game. Here are the minutes from players: O'Mara 20, Littleton 21, McNutt 22, Frodge 21, Boone 21. Bracken, Bailey 32, Florer 31 and Ruf 29. Just because starters pay in the fourth quarter, doesn't mean they played alot of minutes. Really don't see how you could question that PolarBear98. Don't Bailey ever take a break?

Edited December 10, 201510 yr by sumoroyal

Cummins was not double or triple teamed in the half court? When she was driving to the basket the defense as a whole collapsed on her (which is what's supposed to happen regardless the player). I spoke with Coach Cox this morning to make sure that I wasn't the one who was seeing things and he told me I was correct.

 

And to the point about the Mason Co starters being in at the 4th quarter. Who do you want them the play? Their bench had played the entire JV game, there were several times when they were platooned with 5 in 5 out. We dress 13 girls for varsity, 2 of them were injured, and the other left the JV game to go to the hospital with a concussion.

Not speaking for Coach Cox, but it is the third game of the year and our starters had not played that many minutes in this game. Another old coaching saying is winning team does not sub until losing team subs which Bracken never did. Mason starters played less than three quarters in the game while three Bracken starters played near the entire game. Here are the minutes from players: O'Mara 20, Littleton 21, McNutt 22, Frodge 21, Boone 21. Bracken, Bailey 32, Florer 31 and Ruf 29. Really don't see how you could question that PolarBear98. Don't Bailey ever take a break?

 

Generally accepted "uncle" principle...for most sports

Mason doubled team her in the trapping press. Half court, she was guarded by Frodge and O'Mara. Jordan is probably our best defender.

Mason County doesn't play help defense?

Mason County doesn't play help defense?

They switched when they had to, but for the most part they played man-to-man in the half court with O'Mara or Frodge guarding Cummins most of the night.