Analysis: Tempo Key as Providence Prepares for No. 1 Seed Marian

Despite being the home team in Thursday's regional championship game, Providence Catholic is a big underdog. Marian Catholic, the No. 1 seed, put on a show in the semifinals Tuesday and made it clear that the Celtics will have anything but an advantage.

Marian's 95-34 win against Lincoln-Way Central featured a physical game and the team turned Knights' turnovers into transition buckets. Providence Catholic beat Richards 47-37 on Tuesday using some fast-break scoring but also a great inside-out attack that got even better as the game went on. Tempo will be key in the regional final.

"We have to play a certain rhythm," Providence coach Eileen Copenhaver said after the win against Richards. "I thought we did a good job on defense early and got our touches outside on offense."

Eleven steals by the Celtics keyed double digit scoring in transition, which sparked Providence's offense, including a few fast-break points for senior Danielle Barry (16 points). Marian did much of the same in its win over Central on Tuesday, so for the Celtics to compete they'll need to stay strong on the defensive end to try and get easy baskets.

"More important than the 16 points (Barry had) is the 6 to 8 points that came uncontested because of our defense leading to scoring," Copenhaver said. "You can break a team's spirit when you get out and run and get easy, uncontested points."

But the real key to the Celtics' offense in the halfcourt was slowing the tempo. Against Richards, the team used the pick and roll early to get easy baskets, and also worked the ball inside to Barry at every opportunity. Eventually, that led to open shots on the perimeter. Providence senior Emily Persak was just 2-for-8 in the first half but a perfect 4-for-4 in the second, including two deep balls.

"Against this team you have to defend the 3-point line because of their shooters but then they've got (Barry) inside and she's a very good player," Richards coach Jeff Kortz said. "They're very disciplined offensively"

In the second half, Richards put a heavier defense on Barry inside and forced some misses by her. Providence also turned the ball over when trying to force passes inside. Richards cut the Celtics' lead to seven with about three minutes left in the game until Persak came up with her fifth steal and dished it to Barry at the other end.

With a mix of defense leading to scores and inside points leading to open 3-point shots, Providence (12-19) hopes to pull off the big upset again Marian (27-4) on Thursday.

"We're going to try to control the tempo and come out ready to play," Barry said.

3-Point Shootout: Hannah Jenkins and Diana Lozano of Richards advanced in the 3-point contest and are joined by Katie McGann and Emily Persak of Providence. The contest continues Thursday.

Sectionals Ahead: The winner of Marian Catholic vs. Providence Catholic will go to the Lincoln-Way North sectional and play the Thornton Regional winner in the first round. That regional final is Homewood-Flossmoor vs. Stagg.

Highlight Reel: The play of the game has got to be Persak's fifth steal of the game, which she took down the court and dished it to Danielle Barry for the easy score. Richards had a chance to cut the Celtics' lead to five late in the fourth quarter, but that play all but sealed the victory.

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