CB West’s pressure too much for Upper Dublin in District 1-6A 2nd round
DOYLESTOWN>> In order to beat No. 5 Central Bucks West, you have to be able to deal with their pressure and transition scoring. The Bucks play a full-court, in-your-face, press for four quarters that leads to lots of fast-break baskets, and the only way you can get past it is to keep your composure.
Wednesday night, No. 12 Upper Dublin did that for most of the game but it was a lapse in play during the second quarter that let the Bucks get out to a 12-point lead at halftime and eventually win 54-42 in the second round of the District 1-6A playoffs.
“We came out ready to play in that first quarter and played really clean offensively and defensively,’ said Upper Dublin head coach Morgan Funsten. “That second quarter we did everything that we talked about not doing. Our transition defense we talked about being a key to the game and that was bad in that second quarter, it was just not what we wanted it to be and you saw it with us giving up 23 points (in the quarter).’
From there on out, the Cardinals spent the entire game playing catch-up. A strong showing in the third quarter cut the CB West lead to just three at one point, but the press eventually wore them down again and the Bucks stretched their lead back up to eight going into the final period.
West forced 16 Cardinal turnovers and was just too long and athletic for them at times, which eventually took its toll.
“We just try to make the other team go a little faster than they’re accustomed to,’ said CB West head coach Terry Rakowsky.” Our goal is to play that way for the entire game, that’s who we are, and I thought we did a pretty good job of it tonight.’
Upper Dublin didn’t do itself any favors either as they shot just 29 percent from the floor. Some of that can be attributed to the chaotic defensive play of West, but UD also missed open shots. Countless layups and open jumpers simply were not falling, even when the Cardinals were beating West for an open look.
“When we were handling that pressure we were getting the shots we wanted, they just didn’t necessarily fall,’ said Funsten. “That’s what their defense does, they wear you down and you have to make your shots. There were times tonight where we really handled it well and then there was times they got to us.’
On the offensive end, the Bucks used the same tactic that got them through the entire regular season with a 17-4 record — balance.
Five players scored at least seven points for West, with eight players scoring in total. Senior Maggie Rakowsky led the way with 12 points, but it was truly a balanced attack that did it for them.
“One kid averages 10 (points), one at 9.8, one at 9.6, one at 8.8,’ Said Rakowsky of his team’s balanced scoring. “It’s difficult for team to defend us because this is probably the best shooting team I’ve ever had. I’ve had great shooters but as a whole, we can run five kids out there that can really shoot and that’s the balance.’
It was not all bad for Upper Dublin. Junior Maggie Weglos finished with a game high 17 on 7-of-11 shooting.
While her teammates were having a tough time finding anything consistent on the offensive end, she was a rock for the Cardinals.
She also drew the hardest defensive assignment, matching up against CB West’s Maddie Burke, but she did an excellent job on that end of the court as well holding Burke to just 7 points.
“She (Weglos) was the best player on the floor tonight,’ said Funsten. “She was composed against their pressure which is not easy to do. She could have played a great game tonight scoring 0 points if she just handled their pressure but for her to have 17, and guard Maddie Burke, she did more than her job.’
Upper Dublin now faces No. 13 Methacton in the playback bracket, while CB West goes up against No. 4 Garnet Valley in the District 1-6A quarterfinals.
