NHR Scout: DeLaSalle vs Delano
The DeLaSalle Islander starting five looked different than a year ago. They lost a couple games early in the year. They were in a section that had more than half of the best teams in Class AAA. They lost to…
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Continue ReadingThe DeLaSalle Islander starting five looked different than a year ago. They lost a couple games early in the year. They were in a section that had more than half of the best teams in Class AAA. They lost to St. Croix Lutheran for the first time ever. Dave Thorson’s exercise program is something I need to copy. But the more things that change, the more things stayed the same.
When it was all over the Islanders completely dominated Delano meaning they cut the nets down as section champs for the fifth straight year and they have a chance to cut the nets down at state for a record setting fifth straight season.
What was the difference in the game? If I had to pick two things I would go with the following:
- The DeLaSalle Islander defense was so good that I think Delano guards were afraid to go at ball screens because once they came off them another defender was hounding them with even more intensity. The Tigers handled the defense okay early but once the Islanders got the momentum Delano seemed to get scared and unconfident and from the Islanders pounced. Samm Jones, Sage Booker, and Dominic Bledsoe were so intense on the ball that I believe they completely changed the game.
- Goanar Mar and Matt Kreklow were the marque names coming in and while Kreklow was fine with 13 points and ten rebounds, Goanar had 27 points, a dozen boards, and five blocks at times taking control of the game. He certainly had the biggest momentum building plays with the early four point play, the two chase down blocks, and the pair of late treys.
Ex-factor: Samm Jones. Best gave I have seen from him this year on both ends. Scored a dozen but was also very good pressuring the ball.
Player Shorts
DeLaSalle
Gabe Kalscheur. Made five of nine shots, scored seven of his dozen late during the Islander biggest run, made a couple treys. Not a huge night and there was some foul issues there but played fine. I think when the national rankings spread out to a top 150 he will be in there.
Sage Booker. Had maybe the biggest impact that won’t be talked about. Scored ten points on seven shot attempts and was outstanding defensively cutting off angles and honestly intimidating several Delano backcourt players with his defense. Has really grown to be a player that Thorson can depend on both ways this yea.
Goanar Mar. He’s taken major strides confidence wise. I don’t know that he was comfortable being a leading man scoring wise early in the year, he sure is now. Love how he aggressive he is offensively making 9 of 21 shots, sinking three treys, and getting to the line for 5 of 7 foul shots. Defensively he moves outstanding laterally, the type of guy that could guard three positions for sure, maybe four because he is so long, his effort is quality, laterally explosive, and he gives big effort. Also, offensively he’s just as dangerous without the ball because he is also moving after the pass for a screen, relocate, or cut, Goanar will go at putbacks hard, and he’s learned how to get into space on offense. Also, Kreklow is the shot blocker but Goanar was the guy doing the swatting last night.
Samm Jones. I thought Samm rebounded well at guard, his defense on Wishart was outstanding (maybe one of the best shutdown efforts I’ve seen this season) , and in the second half Jones pushed the pace and scored a dozen at the rim. One of the better games of his.
Dominic Bledsoe. The stats aren’t big but they would be if you charted how many times guys: 1) cut off attacks with, 2) stopped a ball screen dead in it’s tracks, 3) made the right plays in help, etc.
CJ Dickson. Much better on defense than I expected him to be and his late game pair of scores and four boards all came when DeLaSalle was pushing a three score game to a near 20 point. Long 6-foot-3 wing that is good in attacking the second defender.
Tyrell Terry. The freshman guard had a board, had an assist, and most importantly had the play that I can remember the game completely switching on momentum wise. He was pressuring Wishart hard and the two went to the corner and Tyrell first swatted the ball and then dove for it with 100 percent effort when Wishart tried to scoop it up. DeLaSalle took possession and Terry’s reaction jacked up the entire bench because of his effort play.
Delano
Mitchell Kurz. Scored ten points on six shots and as a 6-foot-4 junior shooting guard he is a guy that I look to as making big steps over the summer. Has some size, skill, and was able to get some looks against the Islanders.
Calvin Wishart. His dribble separation, pull-up, and ability to attack either direction is known. Last night he couldn’t get the shots to fall and then the pressure really annoyed him. Calvin is a talented young sophomore that will grow from a tough night.
Logan Pulis. The rugged 6-foot-4 had eight points, six rebounds, and competed hard. Did the best he could and played fine against the team many expect to win state.
Matt Kreklow. Made 4 of 7 looks and 5 of 7 free throws for his 13 points. Had a double-double and played with a lot of emotion and intensity although didn’t finish his career with the way he wanted to. Will be a really nice player for the U of Mary.