So, it's been nearly a week since the girls basketball showdown between Joppatowne and Aberdeen was put on display inside the confines of the Aberdeen High School.

The question is: did the game live up to its billing?

I'd say yes, but not the way we are all accustomed to after watching the two teams memorable battles last season.

Last week's game, a 61-47 Aberdeen win, was plagued with foul trouble, with the most game-changing trouble on that of Mariners point guard TroiQuay Malloy.

Not having seen every point guard in the county yet this season, I'm still willing to go pretty far out on a skinny limb that there's no better ball handler than Malloy.

Malloy is quick. Not just with her feet, but way more importantly with her hands. That combination is nasty for opposing players. But, not a problem when the game's best ball handler is on the bench for two or more quarters.

As with any game, there are those who think most fouls aren't such. In Malloy's case, I remember one under a basket that was questionable, but a foul nonetheless. Some of the others I call silly fouls, but true fouls in all cases.

While Malloy was the ultimate victim to fouls, eventually fouling out with half a minute to play, the first quarter was riddled with them. The game's two key big players in the paint, Aberdeen's Bri Jones and Joppatowne's Shakara Head, were both strapped with two fouls apiece before the first quarter was over.

A credit to both players, both played the rest of the game pretty clean and neither was in serious foul trouble.

Joppatowne's other shifty guard, Te'jha Patton-Hill, was also a two-foul first period casualty.

Each team had one player step up a bit, while others were struggling. For Joppatowne, LaKiah Huff was thrown into the point guard role with the troubles of Malloy. Kudos to Huff, who doesn't have the quickness of her teammate, but she did have the control and game sense to get the job done.

Huff led the Mariners with 17 points, including swishing three, three-point baskets.

For Aberdeen, TK Fowlkes was that player. Fowlkes was not forced into a role of anyone else, just that of her own. With teammate Nia Alleyne struggling offensively (four points), Fowlkes posted herself in and around the paint, where she scored 14 points. Only Jones (23) had more points for the Eagles.

As a whole, the game was a lot closer than the final score indicates. Neither team led by more than six points for three full quarters and a 14-point differential in the final score was a bit deceiving.

Mark the calendars now, if you haven't already. The rematch is scheduled for Feb. 9 in Joppatowne. I expect a tight game throughout in that one. Until then, get out and enjoy whichever sport you choose.