Strafford vs Trenton unbeatens

[KCHI]

I've called two Trenton girls games this year. They are led by a group of seniors that have played together for many years, plus a talented sophomore.
I know little about Strafford other than numbers.. 113-0, going for a fourth straight undefeated championship.
Who can tell me more about what makes Strafford so good? Just wondering, not going to be broadcasting the game.
Strafford fans can get box scores of Trenton vs Chillicothe (played twice this year) at https://www.chshornets.com/girlsbasketball.htm

 

[Peter Quill]

Strafford girls = Ducks on the water. They may be paddling furiously and stirring the water underneath but all you ever see is the calm surface.

 

[COCfan1212]

I've called two Trenton girls games this year. They are led by a group of seniors that have played together for many years, plus a talented sophomore.
I know little about Strafford other than numbers.. 113-0, going for a fourth straight undefeated championship.
Who can tell me more about what makes Strafford so good? Just wondering, not going to be broadcasting the game.
Strafford fans can get box scores of Trenton vs Chillicothe (played twice this year) at https://www.chshornets.com/girlsbasketball.htm

Well for starters they have the best player in the state, Hayley Frank. Beyond that they have a lot of confident and experienced players who defend hard and usually shoot pretty well. Tough man to man defense and they never panic or let up.

Looking at that soft schedule that Trenton played has me thinking they will be a bit shell shocked to face Strafford. The Indians have played quite a few larger class schools along the way and have made a point to challenge themselves the past couple of years.

 

[EdmundBlackadder]

Who can tell me more about what makes Strafford so good?

Where to start...
They are exceptionally well-coached and will never beat themselves. Totally unselfish. Their defense is seldom discussed but they will absolutely lock you down.

They play a tough schedule and dominate everyone. Even when pushed (which is rare), they don't get rattled. They play hard every game, and they seem to still love winning, despite doing it so often.

They have had (and still have) a lot of solid players during their 4-year run, but it begins and ends with Hayley Frank, who is simply an exceptional high school basketball player. It sounds strange to say this about a player who has scored (I think) over 2500 points and who has set the state rebounding record, but the scoring numbers she puts up are only a fraction of what she would be capable of doing. She plays with no ego - I truly don't think she would care if she scored at all, as she is quite content to pass (as her assist numbers attest to) and rebound. What can you say about a player of her size who shoots 50%-plus on 3-pointers, 90%-plus on free throws, etc. She is an unstoppable force, and she makes everyone around her a better player.

I've not seen Trenton play, and I have no idea what they bring to the table, but I've seen Strafford repeatedly dismantle some extremely strong teams in Class 3 (and above). The only team I've seen challenge them in the last 3 years was Whitfield last year in the final 4 - that was a tough game. There is no shame in being blown out by Strafford (which I'm pretty sure is what will happen) - it just goes with the territory. As an example, Kickapoo and Republic are about to meet in the Class 5 sectional. Strafford beat Kickapoo by 25 and Republic by 27. I am convinced that they are the best team in the state regardless of class, and I don't think it is close. The only team that might beat them is IWA, and they'd have to have a good day to do it.

 

[HoopsTournament]

I think Strafford wins by about 20 and Trenton leaves the game thinking they played pretty well.

 

[Missouri Kid]

I think Strafford wins by about 20 and Trenton leaves the game thinking they played pretty well.

I think Strafford wins by as many as they like and Trenton leaves the game thinking, "What the hey was that!" That is not to denigrate a great season by Trenton but Strafford is just that good. It will be interesting to see Strafford next year and thereafter. They have had the benefit of a great string of athletic,hard working and coachable ladies. It may continue for awhile but there is no replacing Haley Frank, IMO.

 

[Aboveitall]

Strafford will be solid next year. Their most athletic players will return. 4 of top 8 will be back and be favorites to win their district. They cant replace Frank but that doesn’t mean they wont succeed. Their JV improved losing only two games this year. They return 3 athletic juniors who can all shoot, attack and defend, a very quick freshman point guard who is as good a defender as anyone in sw missouri and can get to the basket at will and dish as well. Considering that most Class 3 teams in the area lose a lot as far as seniors, Strafford wont go down more than the others.

 

[Aboveitall]

Strafford by 30 over Trenton and then a fun game vs Lutheran North on a neutral court which spells huge trouble for Lutheran. Strafford by 25 for title no.4.

 

[anon_utvqikut1knht]

I've called two Trenton girls games this year. They are led by a group of seniors that have played together for many years, plus a talented sophomore.
I know little about Strafford other than numbers.. 113-0, going for a fourth straight undefeated championship.
Who can tell me more about what makes Strafford so good? Just wondering, not going to be broadcasting the game.
Strafford fans can get box scores of Trenton vs Chillicothe (played twice this year) at https://www.chshornets.com/girlsbasketball.htm

Far and away the most disciplined girls hoops team I've maybe ever had the privilege to see. If Trenton, who has had an amazing season, stays within 20 I will be surprised.

 

[anon_utvqikut1knht]

Strafford will be solid next year. Their most athletic players will return. 4 of top 8 will be back and be favorites to win their district. They cant replace Frank but that doesn’t mean they wont succeed. Their JV improved losing only two games this year. They return 3 athletic juniors who can all shoot, attack and defend, a very quick freshman point guard who is as good a defender as anyone in sw missouri and can get to the basket at will and dish as well. Considering that most Class 3 teams in the area lose a lot as far as seniors, Strafford wont go down more than the others.

Strafford will see their winning streak end next year.......................if they play in one of those National elite tourneys. Having said that this machine could easily prove me wrong.

 

[KCHI]

I did a Chillicothe boys at Camdenton game this season, and talked with some coaches and sports folks down there. They all sang similar praise of Strafford girls. Trenton girls is a rival of Chillicothe and the towns rivalries go back to the dark ages. The first ever Chillicothe basketball game in history ended in an overtime loss....to Trenton. But, I always cheer for the team that end's Chillicothe's season, so Best of luck to Trenton! Thanks for all the info, everyone!!! Wish I could make it to Springfield, however work duties here will prevent me from being there.

 

[stjamestigerfan]

Stratford by 35

 

[Hoopsquad20]

strafford by 40+ in both games. Districts are reclassified every year and there is talk of going 6 classes for NEXT season so things could shake up for sure.

 

[mohsbballfan]

strafford by 40+ in both games. Districts are reclassified every year and there is talk of going 6 classes for NEXT season so things could shake up for sure.

That topic has come up before, but I think a lot of people would love to see another class added. Some of the enrollment sizes that are in the same class are ridiculous.

 

[AC100]

That topic has come up before, but I think a lot of people would love to see another class added. Some of the enrollment sizes that are in the same class are ridiculous.

Volleyball needs an extra class more than basketball. Class 4 in volleyball starts at 700 students.