ICC-MH Girl's Preview

Although Hudson had a short run atop the Patroon Conference once Ichabod Crane left to play an independent schedule it has been Maple Hill who has risen to the top in recent years. With Ichabod back in the Patroon and running over teams their match up on Wednesday with the Wildcats becomes even more intriguing. Both teams have made it look easy as they've jumped out to undefeated starts.

Both teams have a lot of height. The Riders can look for a number of different players to lead them on any given night. Rebecca Smith won't be the tallest player in this game but will be one of the toughest on the boards and down low for ICC. Sarah Wheeler has also played well for the Riders so far this year averaging almost 10 points a game. Another foursome of players will also provide size, rebounding and some points down low, Cassidy Austin, Chrissy James, Monica Hall and Hannah Smith.

For Maple Hill their star is Katie Roth a 6'2" Junior. Jessica Dailey and Samantha Hendricks both check in at close to 6' while Anna Racz also brings in some size. Dailey is an important piece because she can stretch a defense by being able to step outside and hit a three.

I think a lot of the size for both of these teams will cancel out, if either is able to really control the boards or outscore the other based on the bigs then that team could actually dominate what should be a close game. Like I said however I think for the most part the bigs cancel each other out which leads us to the wings and guards.

The Riders are going to rely on three players to handle their perimeter duties. Haley Ooms has been running the point and racking up the assists and steals. Her defensive pressure on the ball denying entry passes inside will be key for ICC. Shana Barry has good size and good energy and can step out and hit a three, she's going to be crucial in checking Dailey. Alyssa Stall could be the big key in this game. She's the Rider's most consistent deep threat and her ability to get free and get hot from deep will be big.

For Maple Hill they will rely on Dailey to hit outside shots even though she's tall and Racz to create off the bounce. Kristen DerGurahian will have to come up big on offense and defense. She's always brought a ton of energy to the defensive end. Not having Meeghan Arno at the point this year could be big, she has been a really good creator for them for the last 2 years.

I think the Riders are deeper which certainly plays to their advantage but Maple Hill is a little more versatile. It's an interesting early season match up and neither can overlook undefeated Greenville either. But for now their eyes have to be on this anticipated contest. My gut reaction says Maple Hill starts hot, takes an early lead and in the end holds on 66-59.