Scouting Report: Mullen vs. Westminster
After a seven-game skid within the cutthroat Centennial League, Mullen was able to break through for a hard-fought victory Saturday over Westminster. “They really stepped up,” Mullen coach Peter Spiessbach said of his Mustangs, who improved to 6-10. “We were…
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Continue ReadingAfter a seven-game skid within the cutthroat Centennial League, Mullen was able to break through for a hard-fought victory Saturday over Westminster.
“They really stepped up,” Mullen coach Peter Spiessbach said of his Mustangs, who improved to 6-10. “We were proud we were able to do that instead of folding. (Westminster) didn’t quit. They kept firing until the end.”
Below is a closer look at some of the standouts from each side. Note: We’ll be running a separate piece on Mullen senior Nate Davis tonight or tomorrow.
Mullen
Matteo Busnardo, 6-1 junior
Busnardo has a strong motor and competes on both sides of the ball. He’s a gifted shooter who doesn’t need a lot of room to to get the ball off, a talented 3-point shooter whether he’s catching and pulling or creating off the dribble. Has the ability to heat up in a hurry. He also has a good change-of-pace dribble that helps him get into the lane. He also rebounds well for his size. Needs to work at being stronger with the ball at times, but he’s certainly a talented small-college prospect, perhaps higher provided he has a big final grassroots spring and summer coming up with the Colorado Chaos.
Speissbach on Busnardo: “His biggest improvement is defensively. Last year he was kind of loss. And there were plays today that he made that we wouldn’t have even understand how to make last year. He had a bluff and recovery, a tip on the sideline, and excellent pin down to keep a guy down in the corner in the zone. He’s locked up and becoming a complete player.”
Reggie Parris, 6-3 sophomore
The lefty was instrumental in helping the Mustangs overcome an early deficit. He knocked down two 3-pointers, then picked up back-to-back steals that led to transition buckets. Has good length on defense and has a good perimeter touch. Had his nose bloodied in the first half but returned to contribute in the second half. It will be interesting to track Parris’ development as he grows.
Speissbach on Parris: “He sees the floor so well. He’s such a smart player. He’s always trying to be one play ahead and is always learning on offense and defense. In fact, we have to tell him to be more aggressive, because he’s always trying to distribute and get guys open shots. So it was nice to see him try to step into his shot and fire some open looks. We’re really excited about him. He’s a great kid to coach.”
Andre Thompson, 6-0 senior
Thompson was very active defensively throughout the game. Was active in passing lanes and created pressure on Westminster’s guards throughout. Thompson is a solid on-court leader with his energy on both ends of the floor. His steal and layup the other way early in the fourth quarter, followed by a solid drive that resulted in a pair of free throws, helped turn the tide in Mullen’s favor.
Speissbach on Thompson: “I’m really proud of Andre Thompson. He’s a guy who has come a long way in the classroom and on the floor, and he was one of our best players today. I was just really pleased with his composure. That was some real growth he showed.”
Vaughn Stitt, 6-1 freshman
Stitt stepped up and hit some clutch free throws after Westminster had cut the lead to 3 with under a minute to go. Stitt has nice upside in his first year with the program. Decent athleticism and strength, and he can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim and is a pretty active defender, all traits that will surely improve even more as he gains experience.
Westminster
Elijah Martinez, 5-7 senior
An undersized but scrappy point guard, Martinez is the engine that helps Westminster tick. He’s a solid ball-handler under pressure and has a good feel with the ball in his hands, doesn’t get sped up. Martinez has a solid pull-up jump shot and can hit from the perimeter. Shows great tough on his floater, a good weapon for him against bigger bodies inside. Also does a solid job keeping his head up while penetrating and finds teammates on the attack.
Freddy Gomez, 6-4 sophomore
The young big for the Wolves has decent footwork and a pretty good post feel. Soft touch around the rim and crashes the boards hard. A little bit raw offensively, but he has good potential to have a solid prep career with his size.