USA Bench Pre-Game
The USA All-Stars applied pressure defense early against New Zealand and jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they defeated the Kiwi’s 83-36.
Full court defensive pressure and balanced offensive scoring allowed the Americans to take a 44-22 lead into the locker room at the half, Jasmin Holliday (Oregon) had 10 points at the break and finished with 12. In the second half team USA used pressure in the half court to ignite their fastbreak and built upon their lead.
Opening Ceremonies
Rebekah Gardner (UCLA) led the American charge with 15 points while Rachael Hackbarth (Drake) chipped in with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Penina Davidson led New Zealand with 9 points and 5 rebounds.
Comments from Head Coach, NetScouts Basketball’s Chris Denker:
Our players really came to play tonight both mentally and physically. We made some adjustments and they really grasped them well and executed on both ends.
We got off to a great start tonight, perhaps the first time all tournament that we’ve been able to do that. We established Jalana Childs (Kansas St.) and Kali Bennett (Arizona St.) early and Jaz & Bek (HS teammates) played really well defensively which got our running game going.
Jasmin Holliday
Both of our PG’s (ReZina TecleMariam, Portland & Katie Bussey, Montana St.) played well, good leadership, communication, and some very nice plays as well. It showed in our execution as we shot over 57% from the floor.
The group who happened to come off the bench tonight was outstanding, they really extended their pressure behind Casey Garrison (Missouri St.) and Natalie Day (Portland). Rachael Hackbarth played her best game of the trip, 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks.
Rachael Hackbarth
Stats:
Katie Bussey (Montana State) 5 points, 3 assists
Casey Garrison (Missouri State) 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals
Rebekah Gardner (UCLA) 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
Jasmin Holliday (Oregon) 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
Nicky Day (Portland) 6 points, 3 rebounds, 5 steals
Rachael Hackbarth (Drake) 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks
Talisa Rhea (Seattle U/Oregon State) 9 points, 3 assists
ReZina TecleMariam (Portland) 4 points, 3 assists, 3 steals
Kali Bennett (Arizona State) 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists
Jalana Childs (Kansas State) 6 points, 6 rebounds
Random Thoughts:
-Today was a Chinese Holiday so the streets were quieter than normal
-Crowd at the game was over 3,200
-It rained hard during the games and most of the day which only adds to the humidity
-Local furniture stores compete for your business by sending marching bands around town carrying signs displaying the deal of the day while playing music and beating on drums.
Cheers!
Chris Denker, USBA All-Stars Coach
Go Team USA!!! Cheers!
Marjorie Vanterpool
Win Win Win!!!!!!! Team USA
From Jalanas MOM much LOVE
ramona childs