GREEN BAY, WI- The Shawano Hawks take on the Ashwaubenon Jaguars in the Sun Drop Shootout at UW-Green Bay. Both teams aim to build on recent successes, with Shawano holding a 6-3 record and Ashwaubenon at 5-4.
Shawano’s Recent Performance:
The Hawks are on a three-game winning streak and have impressed throughout the season, highlighted by a dominant 71-25 victory over Clintonville and strong road wins against Green Bay Preble (58-26) and Seymour (53-38). Despite losses to Mosinee, Oostburg, and West De Pere, Shawano’s resilience has been a defining feature of their campaign.
Ashwaubenon’s Recent Performance:
The Jaguars have had an up-and-down season but enter this matchup on a two-game winning streak. Key victories include a narrow 65-63 win over Menasha to start the season and a convincing 62-44 victory over Manitowoc Lincoln. Their losses to West De Pere, Green Bay Preble, and Bay Port came in closely contested games, showing their competitive spirit.
Key Players to Watch – Shawano Hawks:
- Leah Nordin (#14): The star of the Hawks, Nordin averages an outstanding 27.4 points per game, shooting 54.2% from the field.
- Ella Stuber (#3): A versatile contributor with 9.2 points per game, Stuber also leads the team in rebounds (49).
- Trinity Popelka (#4) and Marissa Tomashek (#2): They provide consistent scoring and defensive support, averaging 4.8 and 4.9 points per game, respectively.
Key Players to Watch – Ashwaubenon Jaguars:
- Gianna Guarascio (#23): The leading scorer for the Jaguars, averaging 14.1 points per game, Guarascio shoots 41% from the field and has been a key offensive driver.
- Addy Phipps (#13): A steady performer, Phipps contributes 10.7 points per game and provides defensive strength.
- Sophia Remiker (#21): Another key scorer for the Jaguars, averaging 10.1 points per game and shooting 38.5% from the field.
- Bella Daul (#24): A reliable contributor, averaging 8.0 points per game, shooting 42.1% from the field, and excelling from the free-throw line (100%).
Team Insights:
Shawano Hawks:
- Record: 6-3
- Key Wins: Medford (65-48), Clintonville (71-25), Green Bay Preble (58-26).
- Losses: Mosinee, Oostburg, West De Pere.
Ashwaubenon Jaguars:
- Record: 5-4
- Key Wins: Menasha (65-63), Manitowoc Lincoln (62-44), Pulaski (43-30).
- Losses: West De Pere, Green Bay Preble, Bay Port.
Keys to the Game: Shawano Hawks vs. Ashwaubenon Jaguars
For Shawano Hawks:
- Leah Nordin’s Dominance:
- Nordin, averaging 27.4 points per game, needs to continue her efficient scoring and draw fouls to keep Ashwaubenon’s defenders in foul trouble.
- The Hawks should focus on getting her the ball in high-percentage scoring areas early and often.
- Balanced Scoring Support:
- Secondary scorers like Ella Stuber, Trinity Popelka, and Marissa Tomashek must step up to prevent Ashwaubenon from overloading their defense against Nordin.
- Defensive Rebounding:
- Controlling the boards is critical to limit Ashwaubenon’s second-chance opportunities, especially against a team with players like Gianna Guarascio and Bella Daul who can capitalize on offensive rebounds.
- Limit Turnovers:
- Shawano must play disciplined basketball, avoiding unnecessary turnovers that could allow Ashwaubenon to score in transition.
For Ashwaubenon Jaguars:
- Balanced Scoring Attack:
- With three players averaging double figures (Guarascio, Phipps, and Remiker), the Jaguars need to spread the ball effectively and force Shawano’s defense to cover multiple threats.
- Defensive Strategy on Nordin:
- Ashwaubenon must focus on containing Nordin, potentially using double-teams or forcing her into tough, contested shots. Making other Hawks players beat them will be key.
- Capitalizing on Transition Opportunities:
- With Shawano’s high-scoring offense, Ashwaubenon should push the pace whenever possible to create easy scoring opportunities in transition.
- Free-Throw Shooting and Efficiency:
- The Jaguars must maximize their scoring opportunities by hitting free throws and maintaining efficient shot selection, especially if the game is close late.
X-Factor for Shawano:
- Ella Stuber’s All-Around Impact:
- Stuber’s rebounding, ball-handling, and timely scoring could provide the edge Shawano needs if Ashwaubenon manages to slow down Nordin.
X-Factor for Ashwaubenon:
- Gianna Guarascio’s Leadership:
- As their leading scorer, Guarascio’s ability to create her own shot and involve teammates will be crucial for the Jaguars to keep pace with Shawano’s offense.
Final Thought:
The outcome will likely hinge on Shawano’s ability to impose their offensive rhythm against Ashwaubenon’s defense. Conversely, the Jaguars need to slow the game down, execute in transition, and contain Nordin to pull off a win in this Sun Drop Shootout matchup.
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