Prince performed at the Super Bowl, and then Catherine Carr did her best rendition of one of his biggest hits Tuesday night.
Carr scored 27 points against North Plainfield when she needed 28 to become the first girls basketball player in Somerset County history to reach 2,000 points for her career.
She played a terrific all-around game (seven steals, six rebounds, five assists), but missed a free throw that would have given her the milestone with 21 seconds remaining.
Here is the game story:
http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070207/SPORTS03/702070362
What I think is particularly interesting is the way North Plainfield defended Carr in the final minute -- there were five defenders on her when she attempted her last shot of the game.
I know this move enraged at least one Bernards fan, and I also have a problem with it.
I understand the pride factor involved, and that no coach/team wants to be on the opposite side of history. But if you cannot stop it from happening within the normal flow of the game, then so be it.
In other words, North Plainfield did not guard Carr with five players in the third quarter when the game's outcome was still somewhat in doubt, and it should not be guarding her with five players in the final minute.
The game should not be played differently because her next point makes history. It disrespects James Naismith.
That said, Bernards was trying overly hard to help Carr get to 2,000. When was the last time a team leading by 10 called timeout with 15 seconds remaining? Obviously, coach Joe Milde was trying to draw up a play for Carr.
That's not exactly the normal flow of the game, either.
I understand he was trying to get it out of the way for both Carr's and his team's sake, but both sides should've just let things come naturally.
At least Friday night against Somerville will not be as much of a hold-your-breath moment. Carr probably will reach 2,000 in the game's first two minutes.
Hopefully, the Bernardsville residents will come out to support her. I don't care if you know nothing about basketball. A girl from your town is being celebrated for a rare achievement, and she deserves much better than the 50 or so people in the stands Tuesday night.
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5 comments:
I agree with you on this one. While the NP coach was a jerk for the way he handled the end of the game, using the the normal flow of the game concept, Bernards wouldn't have called a TO with such little time remaining. No matter when the girl does it, reaching the milestone is quite impressive and she deserves to have a crowd for that moment - maybe the 'ville will bring some fans since the boys game won't be very good!
That's a long way from the Nykesha Sales UConn/Nova women's hoops escapade from several years back. Now THAT was a disgrace.
At least a wheelchair won't be involved in the next tilt.
I agree her town should come out to support, I myself being a Pioneers fan will be there and I will definitely be cheering Carr on when she reaches her 2000 points!!!
Saw her play at Hillsborough this afternoon. She took about 30 shots, many air balls and forced. I give her credit for scoring her 2000th, but she obviously can't play with the bigger schools
How can people be so mean when it comes to basketball. After all it's suppose to be fun. But when people say that Cat takes 30 shots that's because she has to, because of her surronding cast. Why should it be so different for her (Cat) No matter how a normal person would look at her 4 year career, they would say that's a great accomplishment. As long as she enjoyed herself, should it matter to the extent that it has to anyone? So to answer "anonymous"(with the comment of the air balls) she had played two games within 24 hours and was tired.I don't see your Hillsborough team still in it! Carr can obviously play with the bigger schools since she has a paid scholarship to a leading college, can you say the same for yourself?
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