Analysis from Northport Lady Tigers vs. St. Anthony’s Lady Friars
Low 50’s. Partly Sunny. Northport High. New Turf Stadium. St. Anthony’s vs. Northport. Pre-season scrimmage.
Both teams went at it for a half. Starters vs. starters. Your best vs. my best.
The match-up leaned in favor of Northport. A big part had to do with Northport’s circle, consisting of Danielle Pavinelli (Junior committed to Florida) and Olivia Carner (Senior committed to Duke).
Northport Analysis
At this point, Pav and Carner don’t need to speak to one another. They can communicate through eye contact, body language, and mind reading. It’s as if they know each others movements before they happen. It allows them to play faster, smarter, and harder. Northport had Carner attacking from her usual high wings and top center. Pav, on the other hand, was operating from behind the goal, where she looked great. Pavs size, vision, skill, and IQ leads me to belief she will be used more at X this season. Have a QB in Carner up top and a QB in Pav behind, gives your offense the ability to attack from anywhere on the field, applying sever pressure to opposing defenses. Speaking of pressing defenses, Kate McLam did a great job putting pressure on a tough St. A defense today. She’s a good dodger, decision maker, and off-ball player.
St. Anthony’s Analysis
When St. Anthony’s get in the open field, they can attack quickly. They have super athletic midfielders with one of the best attackers in the country, Katie Desimone. Getting more of an opportunity to watch St. Anthony’s defense today, I was impressed by Hunter Roman (Junior committed to BC). Her athleticism and ability to defend makes her the kind of midfielder that can play at the next level. Goalie, Erin O’Grady got tested early and often by the Tigers. She made some spectacular saves, including some point blank shots from Northport’s firing squad, Pavinelli, Carner, and McLam. If O’Grady plays big all season for St. Anthony’s they should be able to hang with anyone they face.
The second half was time for both team’s up and comers. St. Anthony’s definitely dominated this portion of the game. They had a slew of talent at every position. As expected, the Lady Friars will be good in years to come.
