It will be about 4-5 months before the 2022-23 basketball regular season begins and we start to get a true idea of how good Xavier Prep’s Gators can be.
If you use
the Gators’ performances as a measuring stick in three summer events, the
latest wrapping up on Saturday night (June 25), there is a hint of optimism in
the air.
Xavier
finished 7-2 in the annual Thunderbird Summer League that culminated on
Saturday night with a 51-35 victory over Phoenix Sunnyslope in the Blue Bracket
title game. Xavier also was 2-0 in a recent Section 7 tournament appearance at
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, and was 3-1 in the Lady Extravaganza tournament
at Goodyear Millennium.
“This gives
them (players) more confidence going into the season,’’ said Xavier coach
Jennifer Gillom. “They can do it together if they stay focused and are more
consistent.’’
Consistency
will have to come out of necessity, given what appears to be a season-long knee
injury to junior guard Sarah Miller, who emerged as one of the state’s top
young talents last season.
Miller’s
absence, plus junior point guard Dom Nesland’s intermittent participation in
the summer due to club ball, gave an opportunity for some players who might not
see as much playing time under normal circumstances to develop their skills in
summer games.
That would
be sophomore Lucy Sanford at the point, junior transfer Jasmine Olivar at
guard, and a possible key reserve in the backcourt in sophomore Izzy Cerniglia,
who seems very intent on earning herself a varsity roster spot.
Junior forward-guard
Maureen “Mo’’ Ulrich made strides at both ends of the floor. She always has
been a strong rebounder and defender, and now she is finding more ways to make
an impact on offense.
Sophomore
post player CeCe Mlat continues to evolve, and senior forward Gabby Trbovic has
shown evidence that she is capable of being a big asset on offense.
Trbovich has
been a decent shooter, sometimes hot and sometimes cold, but had not seen a
consistency that the Gillom and the Gators have needed.
That was
until recently in the T-Bird. In the last three games, she combined for close
to 40 points, many of those on threes from along the baseline or the top of the
key. She also has shown more aggressiveness with her rebounding and defense.
“She is a
senior now and I think she realizes, “This is it for me’’ and knows that it’s
time for her to step up,’’ Gillom said. “When she is shooting well, that helps
spread the defense.’’
When the
Gators flip the switch on defense, they play much better.
“You have
that good defense and the offense follows it,’’ Gillom said. “We have been
emphasizing that the whole summer.’’
So now the
players will be able to relax a bit with a few pool parties and family
vacations. And Gillom has plans to keep her summer routine intact.
That would
be going back home to visit her mother out of state.
“Always good
to see mama,’’ she said.
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