Final Four Preview pt 1 Brought to you by The Normal Brand

      #1 Country Day (17-1)                                                                                 #5 Chaminade (13-4) 

 

MSLA Final Four

Semi Final 1

5:30 PM

Lindenwood University

Admission $7

Winner plays winner of

SLUH/Desmet

Players to Watch:

MICDS

G Matt Trowbridge

D Sam Fite 

D Jake Burmeister
LSM Dalton Hiemenz

FO Alex Bean

M Gaines Bundy

M Banks Pflager

M Harry Wellford

A Alexander Feldman

A Graham Bundy Jr

Chaminade

G Patrick Fitzsimmons

D Reilly Sheahan

D Luke Hanley

M Nick Pisani

M Jack Bellon

M Michael McGovern

FO Chris Handy

A Drew Bozesky

A Peter Covington

Game Notes:

 After a brief hiatus the state playoffs and finals are back at Lindenwood University. Look for a skill filled game with both teams having players capable of taking over a game. After playing to a 10-5 Country Day win the Red Devils will look to end the Rams season and advance to their first state title  game in program history. For Country Day however its business as usual as the back to back state champs look to advance to championship weekend for the third consecutive year. For the Red Devils they will have to get out of the gate early if they want to compete. 

     We will be treated to a great battle at the face off X with the Rams Georgetown bound senior and Adrenaline All America Alex Bean going against the young bull Denver bound freshman Chris Handy. Look for both to do their best to control the game for their teams. Chaminade will need to play the long game and generate extended possessions. If this game turns into a track meet it will get ugly.  A big alley dodge team all year look for Chami to try and get McGovern and Pisani going early. The Red Devils will need to have great shot selection and know when to hold and when to fold as poor shots into the goalies stick will result in up and out clears and transition opportunities for the Rams. Bozesky and Covington will need to provide outlets on the alley dodges and swing the ball to the backside and attack with numbers. Goalie Patrick Fitzsimmons is having a great year and will need to be on his A game again tonight. One interesting aspect will be Chaminade defense scheme as they will have to choose between zoning up or playing man. I would expect a mixture of the two to attempt and keep the Rams off balance. 

     Country Day has played the toughest schedule recently seen in Missouri and come in to this evening battle tested and ready to go. Led by a strong core group of seniors they will look to continue their success. Under Armour All American Matt Trowbridge has had a great year in net for the rams and his ability to get up and and out off of shots has become a huge asset to the team. Sam Fite is the most underrated defenseman in the state, look for him to wreak havoc in the defensive end. On offense for the Rams you can pick your poison. Sophmore Alexander Feldman has emerged as the catalyst offensively with 62 points (41,21), UVA commit Harry Wellford not be outdone with 51 (40,11), and the brothers Bundy round out the leading scorers with freshman Graham Jr with 50 (39,11) and older brother Gaines with 42 (28,14). The Rams two man pick&roll game has caused opponents headaches since it was installed towards the end of the year and Chaminade will have to communicate through the picks and off ball movement. 

     If the Red Devils get out early look for a hard fought gritty game, on the flip side if the Rams come in hot this will get out of hand fast. 

My call:

16-6 Country Day