To take on a talent like Irving MacArthur's Alexis Jones, there are really only two approaches.
The opponent can either attempt to lock her down and force the other four players on the floor to score. Or the opponent can allow her to be productive - within reason, mind you - and just reduce the other four from being as effective.Colleyville Heritage coach Dianna Sager opted for the former in the Lady Panthers' first meeting with the Lady Cardinals back in December. That didn't go so well, as Jones scored 30 of her 37 points in the second half in MacArthur's 65-53 win.In Friday's rematch at MacArthur, Sager is still debating how she is going to take on arguably the most talented player in the state. Jones has signed with national power Duke. Regardless, it's a challenge that won't bother the Lady Panthers (18-10, 11-1 in District 6-5A)."We did a really good job on her in the first half of that first game," Sager said. "But the good players are going to figure out how you're playing them. She hit five [three-point shots] with hands in her face."Sager could focus on Jones. Unlike last year's MacArthur team, which was more balanced, the Lady Cardinals rely heavily on Jones.Yet Colleyville Heritage has never really backed off against MacArthur. In the first three district meetings going back to last year, the Lady Panthers lost by an average of 14 points. The difference in each was one bad quarter."I really think our non-district season has helped us when it comes to playing MacArthur," Sager said.MacArthur typically plays a 2-3 zone defense. Should the Lady Cardinals stay with that approach, the key will be for the guard, led by Emily Besserer, to find a way to get the ball in the post or make sure there are good looks from the perimeter.Of course, Colleyville Heritage was likely playing for a share of the district lead in 6-5A. The Lady Panthers secured their eighth playoff appearance in Sager's 10 seasons as they knocked off rival Grapevine, 45-30, last Friday.The Lady Panthers still have to work on some issues. Sager said she still isn't pleased with the number of turnovers the team is committing.Plus, she knows that one of her players is going to have to emerge as the go-to answer in the postseason. Sager thinks she knows who it is."Heidi [Schneider] is the most consistent player we have," Sager said. "She's the person to have the ball in the last minute."Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
