New York, NY- Ribault proved that the big stage and bright lights of Broadway weren’t to much for them to perform. The Lady Trojans defeated Seton Catholic (AZ) 49-41 in the Dicks High School Girl’s Basketball Semifinal game Friday, to advance to the championship game.
Ribault was led by their star athlete Rennia Davis who scored at will leading her team to victory over the very talented team from Arizona. Davis proved that she is one of the best players in the country, putting on her talents for a national display. She showcased the full repertoire of skills with a cool collective demeanor, including the long range jumper. She hit two 3 pointers to start the game for the Trojans. She totaled four in the game. Her long reach and quick agility make her the ultimate weapon on the ultimate team. She is backed up by DayNeshia Banks who can take over at any point in the game. She is aggressive, assertive, and intimidating. She is the Ying to the Davis Yang. Ribault has a full assortment of players that play their roles perfectly. Kayla Rogers, Nola Carter, Praise Russel and others all contributed to their impressive shut down of one of the nation’s highest scoring teams.
Now Ribault and Head Coach Shelia Pennick focus their attention toward Maryland’s Riverdale Baptist. The Lady Crusaders (37-3), have won the Dicks National Championship twice. The most recent title coming in 2014. Their Head Coach Sam Caldwell deploys a similar strategy to that of Pennick, pressure pressure, and more pressure. These two teams will undoubtedly test each other’s wills today, to see who flinches first. Riverdale is led by Kaila Charles, a Mc Donald’s All American. Charles is quick, elusive and tall like Davis standing 6 foot 1 inches. She has a full assortment of skills to provide trouble for any opponent. She struggled in the first half of their semifinal win against St. Francis (Ga) 57-50. But her talented teammates picked up the slack enough for Charles to take over in the second half. She scored 13 points in the second half.
Strategy: Look for Ribault to start slow as Coach Pennick likes to assess her opponents game plan. Nola Carter will get the assignment to match up with Charles, however if Charles proves that she is taking over the game, Pennick may elect to defend her with Davis.
Key: Ribault will need big shots to propel them over Riverdale. Look for Kayla Rogers to end her High School career with a fine showing from the field. DeyNeshia Banks and Rennia Davis are just juniors, so Charles may be in charge with experience. But the ladies of Ribault are from Jacksonville’s northside, built tough, and ready for the challenge.
