Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences’ (SAAS) freshman wing player Alexandra Morrison should be considered a strong candidate for Emerald City League MVP honors based on her play to this point in the season. Alexandra is the leading scorer for the undefeated SAAS Cardinals and the 4th leading Scorer in the Emerald City League. Unfortunately, points are the only statistic that is consistently reported and tracked on the high school basketball web page of the Seattle Times. 11.9 points per game is not an adequate measure of the impact Miss Morrison levies on individual games and the Emerald City League at large. To make a case for Alexandra for MVP lets start by examining those 11.9 points per game. Alexandra made 39 of 86 shots on 10.85 shots per game for 48.39% shooting. 48.39 is a very good percentage for a post player whose shot selection is mostly of the high percentage variety. However, Alexandra plays the wing and has scored in the post with either hand, driving to basket with either hand, catch and shoot jumpers and jumpers off the dribble from both mid and 3 point range. Alexandra is capable of creating shots for herself, as well as for others as her as her 2.62 assists per game would indicate. Her assist numbers would certainly be closer to 5 on a team with more experienced finishers. It is not possible to know who is leading the Emerald City league in rebounding. However it is safe to say that Alexandras gaudy 11.25 rebounds per game average is not only leading her team, but very possibly the league as well. Alexandra has grabbed 90 rebounds in 8 32 minute games. Alexandras 28 offensive rebound provide second chance opportunities which of course enhances her value as an offensive player. However, it is her 62 defensive rebounds that highlights her value as a dual threat. Alexandra is one of the rare players that can turn a defensive rebound into instant offense because: 1. After she secures a defensive rebound she can use her ball handling skills and speed to push the ball up court immediately 2. Alexandra is a good decision maker and an accurate outlet and off the dribble passer 3. Alexandra can score on the break with both jumpers off the dribble and she can finish at the rim with either hand When you add the fact that Alexandra swipes 3.87 steals and swats 2.62 blocked shots per game to the fact that she is certainly one of the leagues best rebounders there can be no doubt of her efficacy at both ends of the floor. Scoring is one thing, but offensive efficiency helps win games and her team is undefeated in Emerald City League and has already beaten its stiffest competition. Playing defense is one thing, but affecting every level of defensive basketball enables Alexandra to guard 4 positions. Being effective in transition is one thing, the ability to initiate, facilitate and bring transition to fruition in a variety of ways is a feat that only a few ballplayers at any level can manage. The numbers illustrate an all around player who can affect every phase of the game. The video documents a player with a high basketball IQ intent on making her teammates better. Averaging a double-double, including nearly 50% shooting in the first half of her freshman year suggests a potential for greatness that cannot be ignored. That is the stuff of MVPs. youtu.be/TmzzAno4des
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 20:44:29 +0000