Alter vs Miami Trace: What you need to know
By Mickey Shuey
With less than 24 hours until the mayhem starts at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, there is much to be done to properly prepare. This applies to both the fans and the participants.
As a newcomer, Miami Trace has the privilege of squaring of with the seasoned Lady Knights of Alter. Trace, who is led in scoring by McDonalds’ All-American candidate Jenna Cobb, is coming off a 48-38 whipping of Minerva.
About the Coaches
Miami Trace
Former NCAA D-III coach, James Stutzman, leads Miami Trace, who enters Thursday’s game with a mark of 24-1. Stutzman, a graduate of Hiland High School (Berlin, Ohio), began at Eastern Nazarene, where he went 61-21 in three seasons. He later found his way to Marietta College, capping a three-year stint with the Pioneers at 24-52.
Following his resignation from his coaching position at Marietta, Stutzman made a switch from the college ranks to high school level coaching. Since then, Miami Trace has been his home, as he has compiled a record of 141-23, which is the highest win total for a state-bound team with a coach that has been at the helm for less than ten years.
Kettering Alter
Earlier this year, Alter head coach Chris Hart was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. In her senior year, Hart averaged 15 points, 8 assists, 10 steals, and 5 rebounds per game, all the while leading the #3 ranked team in the state to a 24-1 record. She went on to Xavier University on an athletic scholarship, starting two of her four years.
After earning her degrees, Hart returned to Alter. In sixteen seasons, the coach has established a record of 264-113. Named the OHSBCA D-II coach of the year in 2002, Hart led a strong squad to Alter’s first-ever State Tournament birth. Since then, she has coached 3 more squads to the same point (2008, 2009, 2010), and won the title in the first year of the trifecta.
Starting Five
Miami Trace
Ashley Lawson (#3): Junior, Forward
As a junior, Lawson is averaging 9.9 points per game, and is the second tallest player among Trace’s starters (5’9”). If she plays tough, she should be a force to be reckoned with.
Kasey Bryant (#10): Senior, Guard
Kasey played a substantial number of minutes in the win over Minerva on Friday evening. As a leader of this team, Bryant will need to step up, and avoid letting her emotions get the best of her in the Panther’s first state birth. People say she is a good player, so one might expect her to do all she can to make the most of this opportunity.
Josey Hull (#12): Junior, Guard
Averaging 4.5 points per game, Hull may have a big role in Thursday’s bout. No matter what the outcome, some say she is a rising star. Next year will be her year to step up and play her heart out, although she may have to do that in a couple days here. For now, she should focus on doing all she can to assist the seniors in this trip of a lifetime.
Jenna Cobb (#22): Senior, Guard
As a nominee for the McDonald’s All American Game, the senior has been able to do great things. On an athletic scholarship to Butler, Cobb has a staggering 17.9 points per game this season. Over the course of the game on Thursday, it will be her first, and possibly her last time to shine on a stage of such great magnitude. She is the type of player who would do anything for her team, and is always doing what she can to win every game.
Andrea Strahler (#30): Senior, Forward
Just one of two forwards, the 5’10” senior has skills. She can score from inside quite well. Look out for her to get some inside looks and easy shots. Strahler averages 6.5 points per contest.
Kettering Alter
Kaila Howe (#12): Junior, Guard
Coming off of what is arguably the most electrifying win of the season, Kaila Howe has been called a hero by many of her classmates. In the win over CJ, Howe scored 7 points, including a game winning steal and lay in with 1.6 seconds to go. Howe is a rising talent on this team and her defensive skill set will be something to look out for on Thursday.
Ashley Christie (#14): Senior, Guard
An All-State second teamer, Christie has been the most integral part of this team’s success over the past few years. Unofficially, the senior has accounted for 972 points in her four years. Whether or not she manages to join the 1,000-point club is an amazing feat… For right now, however, Christie appears to be focusing on the next game, and her AAU teammate, Jenna Cobb.
Whitney Dabbelt (#21): Junior, Forward
Dabbelt has been getting much more comfortable with her position of late, and it was even more apparent in the CJ victory. Scoring seven for the Knights last Friday, Whitney made a much bigger impact on the morale of the team. She has knowledge of the sport, but also how players are affected when in stressful situations. Dabbelt is going to have to step up on Thursday like she has been.
Courtney Christie (#22): Junior, Guard
If there is one underclassman to watch out for, it is certainly none other than Courtney Christie. She is as hard nosed as they come and is out to do whatever she can to be at her best. She is a very hard worker and distributes the ball well. Her screens and off-ball movements are keys to keeping the offense moving for the Lady Knights.
Ali Mygrants (#24): Senior, Guard
As a captain, Mygrants stepped up to the plate on Friday night. Though she wasn’t in for all 32 minutes, she was able to help her less-experienced teammates relax. Mygrants got quite a bit of playing time on the big stage last year and the year before. Look for her to use this to her advantage.
Don’t Be Surprised If…
Miami Trace
- Miami Trace plays well from the get-go. While Stutzman has never lead a team this far in a tournament, on any level, don’t expect the Panthers to go to the fetal position from the pressure. Trace has a lot of talent and is playing with heavy hearts from the loss of the McKay girls’ father. Expect them to play like they have been all season long.
- This game has a bizarre outcome. Contrary to popular belief, officials rarely decide the outcome of a game. It is up to the players and coaches to be at their best, or the season wont continue. Indeed, there may be a few questionable calls, but it is not likely to affect the score. Expect to see a few comebacks and a few clutch performances.
- Dobbs doesn’t get every basket. From what the stats show, it appears that the Panther’s star isn’t the type to score 40 every outing. She will look for open teammates and good cuts before she takes charge. A quick prediction on her total for the night lands at about 21 or so. Nothing too spectacular.
Kettering Alter
- The Lady Knights start off shaky. Unlike Miami Trace, these girls have been here before. However, with a full intake of pressure from years past, Alter may have to get over some rare pregame jitters. If they do start off slow, don’t think they will stay that way. They came back against CJ, didn’t they?
- Chris Hart makes a few additional substitutions. Hart has a deep bench. With the likes of Allison Bockrath, Sydney Hetman, and Katie Bilinski, all sophomores, she might take the time to give them a few extra chances to take it all in. In addition, Sarah Hanna and Kelly Westerkamp, two key juniors, should be able to add to the great chemistry that the Knights have formed throughout the season.
- Alter doesn’t win by more than 4 (or lose by the same margin). Simply put, these teams are equal. They have almost exactly the same game plan, as well as very identical levels of talent. The coaches are extraordinary and very experienced. I personally will be surprised if either team wins by more than four.
Keys to Victory
Miami Trace
On Defense:
Containing Ashley Christie and Kaila Howe will be the most important task the Trace has all night. As has been said many a-time, defense wins championships. If Trace can manage to hold Christie to under 10 and Howe to under 4, the Knights will most likely revert to less experienced players. This could result in many more costly mistakes on Alter’s end.
Ideal Numbers:
Force 18 turnovers against the Knights.
Pressure the Knights into at least 4 charge calls.
Don’t allow for more than 8 fast break opportunities by Alter.
On Offense:
Getting the ball to players besides Dobbs will be the most important part in securing a victory. Most likely, Alter will apply some sort of double team on her, leaving at least one player unguarded. Being aggressive and drawing the fouls will be very key too. To win, they have to score more points than the Lady Knights, as well as make sure they are patient when looking for open shots.
Ideal Numbers:
Turn the ball over less than 12 times.
Draw at least 9 fouls per half.
Work the ball for at least 6 passes before shooting.
Kettering Alter
On Defense:
Two words: Double team. If they double team Dobbs, that will more than likely allow for more points off turnovers for Hart’s squad. However, if the Lady Knights double team, they must be quick to get back to the other players when necessary. Perhaps switch up the defense by implementing a zone. They can’t get beat on the fast break either.
Ideal Numbers:
Hold Miami Trace to under 30% from the field.
Steal the ball at least 9 times.
Don’t allow for more than 19 second chance points.
On Offense:
If Ashley Christie can put on an MVP caliber performance, the Knights will be in control. Passes are key; each one should be clean and smart. The Knights need to get Jenna Dobbs into foul trouble early. An early deficit can’t happen…the need to take command early and not let go.
Ideal Numbers:
Hit at least 75% of the freebies.
Score at least 59 points on the night.
Ensure at least 8 players score..
First Impressions Are Key
This game is the first time these schools have met in girls’ basketball. The winner on Thursday may take a one game lead, but as Alter has learned from recent years, it may not be long before a second meeting occurs (i.e.: Hathaway Brown)
A Step in the Right Direction
Miami Trace has the privilege of saying it is their first appearance in the Girls’ Final Four. As of Wednesday morning, the school had officially sold out on tickets for Thursday’s game. As one might expect, it seems that the whole town of Washington Court House will be making their way up to see the game.
T-Time
The Alter Lady Knights and Miami Trace Panthers will face off in the nightcap on Thursday. Tip off time is slated for 8:00 at the Schottenstein Center. Alter is the respective “home” team, while the Panthers are noted as the “guests”.
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