The pandemic has scrambled game schedules for all sports. Super fans like myself are treated with delightful uncommon match-ups, because teams need to fill gaps in the schedule. The result is a lot of exciting games that you would normally see only in the off-season, or invitational tournaments (non-existent this season).
The Lady Jackrabbits of Mesa picked up a game against girl's hoops powerhouse, Seton Catholic (12-0). Normally you wouldn’t see Mesa play Seton in a regular season contest, since Mesa plays and 6A and Seton in the 4A Division respectively. Last night was one of the best games I have covered all season.
Mesa’s Coach Katie Fonseca wasted no time in looking to push the tempo. Her team played hard the entire game. They pressed almost the whole game - her players were diving for loose balls and always looking to cut into the lead.
Seton Catholic Coach Karen Self had her team playing well. They moved the ball so smoothly and almost all of her players can score from anywhere on the floor.
Mesa showed they could hang with defending 4A State Champion Seton Catholic Sentinels. The Lady Jackrabbits attacked on every possession on both the defensive and offensive end.
Mesa junior guard Mackenzie Shivers played the best game of her career by contributing 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals. Shivers also scored her 1000th career point in the second half.
Seton Catholic’s Big 3 of Sasha Daniel, Lexi McNabb, and Amanda Barcello ended up being a handful, and combined for 32 points with another 18 points from sophomore guard Amelie Cartagena. Coach Self’s offensive system produces different leading scorers every game.
The end result was the Lady Sentinels held off a 2nd half comeback by the Lady Jackrabbits, 58-48.
Here were the top performers for the game:
2023 Seton Catholic 5’4 Guard Amelie Cartagena - An up-and-coming super sophomore prospect. Has nice scoring ability and range. Shows she can step up and handle the ball to take pressure off of her teammates.
2021 Seton Catholic 6-0 Wing Amanda Barcello - A BYU signee who has a great motor and elite scoring ability. She is long and athletic and gets after it on the defensive end. She is an impressive ball handler for her height and showed she can play all (5) positions on the floor. A high major talent.
2022 Seton Catholic 5-7 Guard Lexi McNabb - A smooth point guard prospect who can facilitate the offense. She surveys the court well and controls the tempo. She has a nice scoring ability with a nice mid-range game. Daughter of Hall of Fame Quarterback Donovan McNabb, she is a mid-major D-1 talent.
2022 Seton Catholic 5-4 Guard Sasha Daniel - A sneaky quick guard with nice slashing ability and a high basketball IQ. I like her anticipation on the defensive side of the ball. Knows how to leak out in transition.
2022 Mesa 5-4 Guard Mackenzie Shivers - A big-time sleeper prospect who led all scorers with 22 points. She has a great motor on both ends and loves to get after it defensively. She has great anticipation, vision, IQ and extremely quick hands. Scored her 1000th career point this game, and is a low to mid major D-1 prospect with no offers. College coaches she’ll be a steal.
2023 Mesa 5-4 Guard Ashiian Hunter - The second of Mesa’s 1-2 punch. She is a nice scoring guard who can get buckets from long range. Possess a nice IQ and skill-set.
