The Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences Varsity has amassed a 4 and 1 record with the single loss being a defensive gem in which SAAS held Bellevue Christian to just 3 second half points. The SAAS defense is also the reason they were able to hold UPREP, last year’s Emerald City League Champion, to 25 points total, 15 point under their season average in a 32-25 victory. While Ashley Knight is a fine coach to be sure, this recently displayed defensive prowess is not schematic, but energetic. This defensive energy is generated by the reuniting of Sarah Goh, Michaela Simmons-Smith and Alexandra Morrison, formerly of the now defunct Pro Style Academy of the AAU ranks. Sarah Goh is a lightning quick, in-your-face, tenaciously physical, high motor, perimeter defender that leads the team (and possibly the league) in steals. Dribbling is perilous around this slick little thief. My advice; Dont do it! Smith-Simmons is 62.5 with impeccable timing. There is but one thing to say about Simmons-Smith, get that weak shot outa here. Be watching carefully if you are sitting in the third row...You may have to duck incoming rejections. Alexandra Morrison basically spend the summer wearing a weighted vest, running latters in the sand and in the crossfit gym to improve her speed. Her speed has improved immeasurably now that you can see her quick twitch calf muscles from space. This makes her a threat on the perimeter, in the passing lanes, and oh yes, she is 6’ tall shot blocker. Her speed and length enable her to be second on team in steals to Goh, second on the team in block to Simmons-Smith and first in scoring at 12.2 ppg and rebounding at 12 rpg. Add the speed and athleticism of power forward Lexi Leff and reserve point guard Jillian Pendergast and youre looking at a defensive squad. The second factor that must be considered are the origins of the frantic brand of D employed by these players. Coach Antwon Jones, formerly of Pro Style Academy, is the author of that energy. His players could play D or they sat and the D displayed by these three was learned under the tutelage of coach Jones. youtu.be/_mfyLT2WXIY
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 01:55:20 +0000
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