Fast Five: Impressions from Monroe’s wins over Dougherty Friday night in Albany

Five Fast Impressions from Dougherty at Monroe Friday night in Albany:

1) If Monroe Girl’s head coach Jennifer Acree can get her girls to play like they did Friday night in every game, the Lady Nadas are going to be tough to stop and might even give the highly acclaimed Lady Tigers of Carver a run for their money.

2) It’s no secret that Dougherty’s boys basketball team has one of the very best backcourt trios in the state with Juwuan Jinks, Kaleke Singeltary-Jinks, and Jai’on Burns. What was surprising Friday night was how well Monroe’s defense handled those three and kept them from dictating the tempo of the game.

3) Monroe’s Lorenzo Stills showed out Friday night. He scored 22 points to lead the Tornadoes in the game but his defense might have been even more impressive.

4) With 29 points and how she handled herself against arch-rival Dougherty, Monroe freshman KJ Acree showed why she already has multiple Division I offers from some of the nation’s best women’s basketball teams. What was notable Friday night was that Taylor McKinzy will be getting serious attention as well if Monroe keeps winning and McKinzy shows her talents as more than just a serious three-point threat.

5) Dougherty’s Teaylia Hawkins showed marked improvement Friday night against one of Albany’s best inside players — Ciarra Lunsford. Hawkins, a sophomore, showed tremendous potential inside and also drilled a three-pointer. Dougherty coach Khadijah Sli has to be encouraged with Hawkins’ development.

By Joe WhitfieldJoeWhitfield[email protected]