Instant analysis from Des Moines North girls basketball's 47-40 win over Roosevelt
Some of the top girls basketball players in Des Moines Public Schools – and in Iowa – matched up on Friday when Roosevelt hosted North.
Roosevelt senior and Iowa State commit Arianna Jackson was the star of the show, but North’s Lizzy Puot and Amani Jenkins were a dynamic duo. And the battle between the three players and DMPS rival programs did not disappoint.
The Polar Bears jumped out to an early lead but the Roughriders were on top, 11-10, by the end of the first quarter. Roosevelt continued to extend its lead, going up 27-16 before halftime.
Roosevelt led 36-28 at the end of the third quarter but North came back to take the lead in the fourth. The teams went back and forth before the Polar Bears beat the Roughriders, 47-40.
Jenkins led North with 18 points, and Puot was close behind with 12. Jackson picked up 16 points for the Roughriders.
Learning curve for North
Puot and Jenkins are forces to be reckoned with. Both players can shoot, and their height gives them an advantage both on defense and in second-chance attempts.
Their on-court connection is undeniable, and the pair was central to limiting Jackson's production. Puot is a senior. Jenkins is only a sophomore and will be a player to watch over the next two seasons.
Behind the Polar Bears' top two stars, Nyla Seay had a solid game.
Mistakes like backcourt violations, errant passes and turnovers are always impactful, but they were especially prevalent against a team as strong as Roosevelt. Still, the Polar Bears kept it close and rallied for the win.
In the end, it was Roosevelt dealing with some of the same mistakes that cost the Roughriders the win. And North didn't stop pushing until the final buzzer.
Roosevelt is more than just Arianna Jackson
Jackson is the quarterback of the Roosevelt team. She rarely leaves the floor, she dictates the pace of play and is a key piece in how most of her teammates are set up. She'll be the best player on the court in most games she plays because of her all-around skills.
North kept her scoreless in the first quarter and allowed her to put up only six points – four free throws and a layup – in the first half. She opened Roosevelt’s second-half scoring with a 3-pointer, but she was most impactful on defense. Jackson used her experience to trap North, leading to rookie mistakes and helping the Roughriders pull ahead.
But Jackson was not alone in her success. Mariah Van Ersvelde filled up the stat sheet alongside Jackson, who was often shut down by double- and triple-teams. Arriana Johnson and Peyton Twelmeyer found success, as well. Freshman center Jaleah Lee was impressive, too, holding her own against Puot and Jenkins.
This loss showed one thing: Roosevelt is going to need additional help from more players. The Roughriders can be good, but success could be elusive unless Jackson gets a little more support.
Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines North girls basketball beats Roosevelt, 47-40
