ODowd wins showdown

With high major talent on both squads, Bishop O'Dowd used its defense and rebounding to defeat St. Mary's-Berkeley 67-49. Sophomore guard Asha Thomas sparked the Dragons early with 10 first quarter points and finished with 18.

Bishop O'Dowd (10-3) jumped out to a 22-7 lead after the first quarter and was able to withstand runs by St. Mary's-Berkeley with strong finishes in the second and third quarter. Bishop O'Dowd head coach Malik McCord credited defense, rebounding and being able to penetrate the St. Mary's defense as keys for the wins. The Panthers (10-3) have lost to the top three teams in the NCP Top 20. They were hurt early by poor free throw shooting and had just two points off their bench.

Oderah Chidom 6-foot-4 Post Bishop O'Dowd (2013): Chidom had 10 points with an offensive rebound put back, a run out layup on the fast break, and dribbling into the paint for a short shot. She also moved well in the half court and has good touch finishing at different spots. Chidom is a cerebral shot blocker and possesses a good court presence. The top ranked 2013 prospect in the region is signed to Duke.

Elexis Goodwin 5-foot-11 PF St. Mary's-Berkeley (2013): Having a size disadvantage inside, Goodwin scored 14 points and made six free throws. She is able to hold her position inside and finds the ball well as a rebounder. She was the second leading scorer for the Panthers.

Kendall Waters 6-foot-2 Post Bishop O'Dowd (2013): Waters battled foul trouble in the first half, but finished better with 10 points. She had a 15 footer and a pair of nice post finishes as well as an offensive rebound put back. She does a good job of going to work quickly once she gets the ball inside. Waters did struggle in protecting the rim without fouling on Saturday. She is signed to Cal.

Mikayla Cowling 6-foot-1 PG St. Mary's-Berkeley (2014): The 2014 5-star impacted the game defensively, especially as a shot blocker. She has good instincts and showed some versatility in being able to handle post defense. Cowling scored five points, including a made three, but is better going to the basket.

Gabby Green 6-foot-1 G St. Mary's-Berkeley: She finished with 16 points and possesses a very good pull up game in transition and in the half court. She missed a handful of looks inside, but impacts the game with her ability to handle in traffic at her size. Green also was able to start quick offense by forcing turnovers.

Asha Thomas 5-foot-5 PG Bishop O'Dowd (2015): Thomas was steady once again with 18 points and numerous assists, including at least four which set up three pointers for the Dragons. She knocked down two 3s as a spot up shooter and is dangerous at the top of the floor breaking down the defense for her offense or easy looks for teammates. She also had a nice up and under move in the second half.