Our recent battles with Wake Forest have been really competitive. Last season the teams met twice. In the regular season they played in Winston Salem and the Tar Heels pulled away in the last few minutes for a double digit win. Then in the ACC tournament, had to come from behind in the last few minutes to pull out a victory on the event's second day. Um...yeah this game wasn't like that. Final, North Carolina 83, Wake Forest 45.
But lately the team seems to have upped their play a whole new level. And Wake Forest had the unfortunate task of being the next team the Tar Heels faced after the loss at Louisville, a game in which Louisville came from behind and won in the last few minutes.
The Heels were taking no chances in this one. The defense on Dearica Hamby (future WNBA draft pick and Wake's best player) was outstanding. She averages an incredible 20 points and 10 rebounds. Thursday night she had 7 points and 10 rebounds. And the Tar Heels were super aggressive forcing over 30 turnovers. They were also really balanced on offense from beginning to end. Not even in the early days when they played their easier non conference games did I see this type of domination. We've had some 50 point 2nd half efforts; but I think 43 points in the first half was a high for this season. If not it was close to it. Amazed this was just 2 points less than what Wake would score for the night.
The domination continued in the 2nd half as the Heels outscored the Deacs 40 to 22. We did get outrebounded; but, the minutes were really spread out in this one. Jamie Cherry played 28 minutes and that lead the team. Still North Carolina shot over 50% from the field, had 21 assists (on 31 made shots) to 14 turnovers. It was a great effort. The Tar Heels were favored by 21 points and won by 38. They won my favorite way...a total team effort. My daughter had different words for it. She was pretty relaxed for this one. Both children were; but, at one point she got up from her spot, came over and whispered, "Mom, this is a beat down...you know a beat DOWN. We are killing them. Do they call it before it's over." No child.
Latifah Coleman: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)
This young lady brings so much to the court. Even when her shots aren't falling, she's always working hard to help the team. Thursday night her shot was falling through and I really enjoyed seeing her midrange pull-up jumper in particular. She made back to back jumpers in transition after Wake Forest turnovers.
Jamie Cherry: 13 points, 4 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
Jamie was good on both ends of the floor on Thursday. She was drawing charges on the Wake guards, passing well and had great shot selection. She's always had great moves and is crazy quick and it was good to see her have a good shooting night. Makes me even more excited about the future.
Jessica Washington: 10 points, 4 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
Speaking of excitement for the future, Jessica played great on Thursday as well. She shot well, moved well without the ball and played smart on the defensive end. She'd had a couple of tough games lately so I was hoping for a good game for her. It was good to see her smiling.
Brittany Rountree: 9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
As steady as they come is Brittany Rountree. On both ends of the floor, she has really developed over the years. As a senior now she is doing what a senior does and making things happen. She hit three 3-point shots in the game and continues to get others the ball in scoring position. She had some fouls; but I wasn't overly impressed with the crew we had. Thankfully they were not too active; but this was called a block. I didn't agree. Yes I know I'm biased; but the offensive player wasn't hindered and see that forearm? Start of the contact.
photo from www.goheels.com
N'Dea Bryant: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals (photo from www.goheels.com)
I've been trying to come up with another nickname for N'Dea. I used to call her my sleeping giant because I knew there was a great player in her and we were going to see it in time. Well, the giant sleeps no more. In the starting lineup for the last few games now, she's been bringing the heat on both ends of the floor. She spent a lot of time guarding Dearica Hamby in the game and gave an outstanding effort holding the star to 7 points and scoring 12 of her own. She has a beautiful jumper and I'm so proud of how far she's come this season.
Stephanie Mavunga: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal (photo from www.goheels.com)
Yes, I know...no blocks. The team's biggest personality had a quiet; but very efficient night on the floor. She managed these numbers in 21 minutes. They tripled teamed her at times; but, she's a good passer. She's also continually adding to her game to manage these double and triple teams she sees every game.
Allisha Gray: 16 points, 4 rebounds (photo from www.goheels.com)
So how does a player score more points than minutes they spend on the floor. 70% shooting is how. She picked up right where she left off when she fouled out at Louisville where she picked up where she left off in the Florida State game. She had double figures on 4 of 6 shooting when she went to the bench on that...interesting call after a mind blowing 22 point 14 rebound effort against Florida State. Why 15 minutes? Didn't need more time? Domination from the Heels? Diagnosed with the flu folks.
I found that out later in the summary, which clears up why I kept hearing chants of "MJ!" coming from the bench each time she scored. Apparently they reminded her of the monster game Michael Jordan had in the NBA play-offs when he played with the flu. Hopefully they gave her Tamiflu. I swear that stuff is straight from the Lord.
I so appreciated everyone's effort; but knowing that made me appreciate Allisha even more. My daughter really appreciated knowing that. I appreciated being able to tell her. I've really been trying to get across to her the importance of real effort. How even if you're gifted at something it takes hard work to be successful. And that it does pay off. Thursday despite the temperature being around the same as her age, she was determined to "be there for her girls" An added bonus was that the UNC Loreleis sang the National Anthem. She's 11 and in her first year in a city-wide children's choir. Her face lit up hearing them sing. At the end of the game, she didn't want to leave, even though I invested in some extra winter wear.
The Tar Heels are on the road next and boy I wish I was with them. It is set to warm up here in the next day or two; but the team is headed to Miami. It's about 73 degrees there and will probably be around 80 tomorrow. Even with the rain predicted that is a big difference. Here's hoping the Tar Heels remain hot on the court as well.
As Always,
Go Heels!
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