Heading down to Matthews, Phenom Hoops was able to catch a very intriguing matchup on both the girls and boys' side in high school basketball. Starting off on the girl's side, two teams with intriguing talent battled back and forth throughout. Myers Park jumped out early behind 2021 Taylor Henderson but Butler used a strong second quarter to retake the lead, attacking the paint and using their size to secure a halftime lead.
In the third quarter, much of the same occurred, as Butler really looked to take Henderson out of the game offensively. But Henderson, the playmaker she is, started to find her groove late in the fourth quarter to get her team back within a basket. Cutting it down to two points, Myers Park couldn't make enough plays to overcome the deficit and Butler secured the victory at the line late.
Both seniors Michaela Lane and Payton Sutton made plays all night long around the rim, scoring 22 of their 46 points.
Final: Butler 46 – Myers Park 41
Stats:
Myers Park: Taylor Henderson 15 points/ N. Nelson 10 points
Butler: Michaela Lane 10 points/ Payton Sutton 12 points/ Samiah Williams 8 points
Standouts:
2021 Tayler Henderson (Myers Park): Henderson was a big-time factor for her team, scoring 15 points for Myers Park and being one of the more consistent scoring threats. Butler really looked to guard her and keep the ball out of her hands, having a player on her at all times. However, she attacked off the bounce, used her handles and speed in transition, and also displayed great hands and vision on the court. Henderson looked to get after it on the boards as well, creating a few second-chance points for the Mustangs.
2020 Michaela Lane (Butler): Lane has an intriguing blend of size and versatility to her game. Time after time, she kept the ball high, was incredibly active on the boards (double-digit rebounds), and knew how to use her frame to get the ball towards the rim. Averaging a double-double this season, you can see how she creates trouble for opponents with her size and ability to handle the ball full court.
2020 Payton Sutton (Butler): Sutton's ability to penetrate the lane created trouble for Myers Park. When attacking the lane and getting to the rim, she was able to either finish and get to the free-throw line on multiple occasions or to kick it out to an open teammate.
