The first quarter would be a feeling out process for both teams, in which neither offense was particularly potent. Lindsey Zurbrugg and Natalie Schneider would hit their first 2 field goal attempts each, but it was a low scoring quarter with USA leading (12-10). It would be in the second quarter where USA began to create some separation against the Canadians. They outscored Canada 21-13 in the quarter.
Many people predicted the double big line-up featuring Kathleen ‘Kady’ Dandeneau and Arinn ‘Juice’ Young would create mismatch issues for the USA roster. Since Rio, Canada has consistently found ways to win in important
games, including a 3-point win in the gold medal match at Lima 2019 Para Pan-American Games. It would be the 1, 2 punch of Hollermann and Schneider, however, that would determine the outcome of this game with 19 and 18 points, respectively.A pivotal moment took place in the first quarter when Rose Hollermann picked up her second foul with 6:49 remaining. Coach Johnson quickly subbed Bailey Moody into the game. Hollermann would sit for just under 3 minutes before Johnson put her back into the game. A bold move from the USA Coach based on his faith in Hollermann.
“I went down to the end of the bench and asked her how do you feel? Can you play smart ball and make sure that you protect yourself? She said yeah, I got this. I have to trust the decisions she’s gonna make,” recalled Johnson.
Hollermann is no stranger to big games, given her experience on the Paralympic stage. The savvy veteran showed exactly why she deserved the trust that Coach Johnson placed in her.
Coming into this matchup, the US squad relied on their outside shooting. It was clear that Canada’s Head Coach, Marc Antoine Ducharme, was focused on limiting that production. Rose Hollermann commented on how Natalie Schneider exploited that focus.
“Natalie Schneider had a huge game for us, she got us into it early and kept it going the entire game. Just having that big presence on the court and her mature basketball sense was awesome for us,” said Hollermann.
In the second quarter, not only was Schneider a steady source of contribution (7 points in the quarter), but she didn’t miss a shot for the entire half. “Our team has a really well-rounded game, we have such big threats on the outside, so when they were getting double jumped, I was able to get in,” added Schneider on the reads that Team USA made in today’s game.
The US veterans’ (Hollermann and Schneider) performance would send USA into the half with a 10-point lead (33-23).
USA found themselves in a hotly contested pool during the preliminary round. It would provide many tests and an opportunity to prepare for this match up with Canada. Despite the intermittent full court pressure applied by Canada, USA would commit just 5 turnovers in this win or go home game. Coach Johnson talked about building confidence against the press.
He said, “You show them on film, and you walk through it, and you say this is something we’ve already seen in practice and you guys have already responded to it and you’ve seen success in doing these things and simplify the reads… They were able to take those reads into the game today and it was a beautiful thing.”
The highlight for today’s game is truly the collective defensive effort made by USA and their ability to hold Canada to just 34% shooting. Significant focus was put on Dandeneau and Young. Dandeneau was in the top 5 in many statistical categories for the tournament coming into this game, but the Americans consistently rotated on defense to ensure she had very few clean looks at the basket.
“We were intent on making sure that we jumped out there and put pressure both her (Kady), Arinn and Cindy and try to make sure that they didn’t get on a streak right there,” said Coach Johnson.
That would create ample looks for other members of Team Canada but today would not be their day. Instead, it was the US squad that saw double-digit scoring performances by 4 of 5 starters. This was bolstered by 75% shooting from the free throw line.
USA moves on to the semifinal and will play the winner of Great Britain vs. China on Thursday, September 2nd at Ariake Arena (time TBD).
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