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Whitehall 68, Beechcroft 33 - Prospect Scouting Report

By Emma Ervin, 01/30/22, 5:30PM EST

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McDonald and Greer power the Rams over the Cougars

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- After a slow start, Whitehall dominated Beechcroft in a non-conference matchup Saturday afternoon. The Rams outscored the Cougars 20-0 in the second quarter pushing them to a 68-33 victory. 

Senior Samaja Skaggs started off with the hot hand for Beechcroft. She knocked down a three and long jumper early in the first. Beechcroft held an early 5-2 lead before Whitehall started battling back. A basket by senior Brooklyn Greer gave the Rams an 8-7 lead, their first of the game. A free throw by freshman Deziah Dupree momentarily tied the game at eight. 

Kaylee Jackson’s basket in transition pushed the Rams to a two point lead but Deziah Dupree responded again with a left-handed layup. A mid range jumper by Jayla Dukes pushed the lead back to two, a position that Whitehallf would hold for the remainder of the game. 

To finish off the quarter, Whitehall scored eight straight points including a three by Jackson, a three point play by senior Kayla Bagley and a layup by Jackson. What was a two point lead quickly swelled into an 11 point lead heading into the second quarter by a score of 24-13. 

Sophomore Daniya McDonald started rolling in the second quarter and the Rams were absolutely dominant. The tough Whitehall defense forced turnover after turnover along with bad shot selections and held the Cougars to just two points in the quarter.  

The Rams started the quarter on a 12-0 run that featured six straight from McDonald before senior Stella Emeran-Simon connected for two for Beechcroft. Whitehall finished the quarter on an 8-0 run thanks to two threes by Greer and a basket by Bagley. Outsourcing the Cougars 20-2, Whitehall entered halftime with a comfortable 44-15 lead. 

McDonald continued her domination in the third quarter where she scored another 10 points. Beechcroft was a little more successful on the offensive end this quarter thanks to senior Skaggs, LaLarra Bays, Nevea Dupree and Deziah Dupree. Skaggs converted on a midrange jumper, Bays nailed a three from the top of the key, Nevea made a layup and Deziah made a free throw and a left-handed layup. Heading into the final stanza, Whitehall boasted a 57-25 lead. 

The fourth quarter felt a bit like the first with both teams trading baskets. Greer tallied six in the quarter and McDonald added another five. Bays, Skaggs, Nevea and Deziah all scored for the Cougars. 

McDonald led all scorers with 29 and Greer added 19 for the Rams. Deziah Dupree paced the Cougars with 11 and Skaggs added nine. 

Let’s take a look at Saturday’s top performers.

Daniya McDonald (6'0 G / Whitehall / 2024) - We really reflected on what to say about McDonald after her fantastic performance Saturday and a few words came to mind: dominant, athletic and relentless. While it is clear McDonald is still working on sharpening her skills, she is already very advanced. She handles the ball, mainly with her right hand, with tremendous power and command. She is shifty and effective with moves at the basket and can elevate over nearly anyone as displayed by her conversion on a mid range jumper in the second half over four defenders. McDonald has great court vision and passing abilities, frequently finding teammates in transition and while attacking. She is one of the best rebounders we have seen all season and is relentless in her pursuit of the ball on the offensive and defensive ends. She tallied a couple of blocks on Saturday thanks to her long wingspan and anticipation. Though just a sophomore, McDonald should be on everyone’s radar and will be a major prospect in the coming seasons.

Brooklyn Greer (G / Whitehall / 2022) - Greer played a solid all around game on Saturday. The senior was on fire from three in the second quarter, draining three including one after literally running outside and coming back in. She also shot well in the mid range, converting on two. She is a great facilitator and a consistent defender at the top of Whitehall’s zone. Greer brings some much needed varsity experience to this young Whitehall squad.

Deziah Dupree (6'0 F / Beechcroft / 2025) - Dupree has a high, high ceiling. The freshman has only been playing organized basketball for a couple of seasons but it is hard to tell. She moves well and is disruptive on the top of Beechroft’s zones. She does a decent job handling the ball but could use a bit of development with her right hand as she is a natural lefty. She has a smooth jumper with decent range and is a strong finisher. She gets to the rim but is a bit inconsistent from the free throw line, a skill she will need to develop. She is a great rebounder and is constantly trying to extend plays on the offensive end. We are really excited to see how Dupree develops over the coming seasons.

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