GAME 2 Class 4A State Semifinal: Houston Sterling(30-5) vs La Marque(28-9)

[regaleagle]

Don't know anything about these 2 teams, but we'll see if they can compare to the Bridgeport/Madison matchup we just witnessed. :hairpunk:

[regaleagle]

Both teams out of the Houston area. Sterling leads in the early going 5-2.

[regaleagle]

La Marque appears more methodical in their offensive approach, but Sterling just looks awful smooooothe, haha.

[regaleagle]

3:04 1st

Sterling 9
La Marque 7

[regaleagle]

LM will attempt to slow down Sterling and play percentage shots and smart ball control. Sterling will be athletic and make buckets off transition and fast breaks. I can see that already.

[regaleagle]

End of 1st

Sterling 15
LM 12

Looks like both teams are taking early 3 point attempts and missing. Maybe they'll both heat up from outside the arc. I would think LM would try to be more deliberate and work it inside to their big boy underneath. Sterling looks a little shaky in a halfcourt offense. They seem antsy to shoot it right away.

[regaleagle]

Sterling not so smooth afterall....they are young and every one of them wants to shoot the ball. LM is more seasoned with seniors and plays a better halfcourt offensive scheme. They work the ball for the open shot and fight for the rebounds. Sterling will need to get the ball inside more or get some quick breakaways going. LM will slow this game down and cause Sterling to take quick shots they shouldn't.

[regaleagle]

Both teams trade 3's then Sterling hits another one. This game is suddenly heating up and going to a faster pace.

[Bullaholic]

Sterling and La Marque both look like they belong--should be a heck of a game for the Bulls against either from what I am seeing...

[regaleagle]

halftime

Sterling 30
La Marque 21

Sterling hits some 3's and makes a run right before the half. They had LM playing out of their element and it burned the Cougars.

[regaleagle]

I expect to see LM go back to their deliberate pace and halfcourt offensive scheme to slow down the Sterling attack. When LM plays methodical, it seems to bother Sterling's play and pace. Sterling is obviously more comfortable and more active with the quicker pace. LM doesn't do so well to match that pace. Who will win the battle to set the pace? Whoever does will win this game.

[regaleagle]

That was a 10-0 run by Sterling to end the half. That's a killer for any team at this level. Here we go in the 2nd half.

[regaleagle]

LM is winning the rebound battle so far, but Sterling is forcing turnovers from their quicker style of play. I think I heard at halftime that the LM team is fairly young also.

[regaleagle]

Sterling is ahead by eleven now, and that's not good for a more methodical team like LM. Now LM has cut it down to 8, but misses another one in the paint. Sterling runs it down the court and scores on the longtripper layup. They are smooth alright. They just weave right thru the defensive alignment with no problem. I think the defense for LM is just not stout enough to stop those inside drives. As long as LM can force Sterling into long shots from the outside, they have a chance. But they cannot afford to be beat down the court and let Sterling drive the middle or score in the paint.

[regaleagle]

End of 3rd

Sterling 48
LM 38

Neither team appears disciplined enough to stay with the Bridgeport Bulls(or Madison). Just my opinion from what I'm seeing.

[regaleagle]

Sterling could be a problematic team to play, but I don't think they have the hosses to matchup with the Bulls. Sterling definitely plays a very loose game, but I would categorize them as dangerously skilled, but undisciplined.

[regaleagle]

La Marque is more disciplined, but not quite as experienced or mature in their skills yet.

[regaleagle]

57-51 Sterling. They have the ball and misses. They rebound it and lay it back in on the tipped rebound. Now Sterling leads on the rebounds.

[regaleagle]

3:51 left
Time out on the court

59-51 Sterling. LM will have the ball.

[regaleagle]

BAd 3 point attempt by LM and now Sterling misses the dunk. Another offensive rebound and now a jumpball that favors Sterling.

[regaleagle]

The Sterling lead of 8 now causing a hurry up for LM and they are missing under the rim. Now Sterling is fouled and makes both.

[regaleagle]

Sterling will win it now. Only 50 secs. left. LM played well to get here, but are just too young this season. They played hard but could not matchup with the speed and athleticism of Sterling.

[regaleagle]

Sterling has twice as many students as LM, so that helps at this classification as well.

[regaleagle]

Sterling 66
La Marque 57

Final

Congrats to both teams. Sterling will advance to the State Final to meet Bridgeport tomorrow evening at 7 PM.