Ten Best: Samaritans Feet Barefoot Classic – Afternoon Edition
The Sanford Pentagon Barefoot Classic is being played as New Year’s Eve special with seven games. Here is a review of top play from the afternoon games in a modified Ten Best. MVP: AJ Plitzuweit. When you put up 36…
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Continue ReadingThe Sanford Pentagon Barefoot Classic is being played as New Year’s Eve special with seven games. Here is a review of top play from the afternoon games in a modified Ten Best.
MVP: AJ Plitzuweit. When you put up 36 points and barely miss a shot, you earn an MVP nomination. AJ scored on 8 of 13 shot which included five treys plus made 15 of 16 foul shooting. The basketball gene is in his blood with mom being the USD head coach but at 6-foot-2 he is also a good sized kid with a gift of getting into space to make plays.
Offensive MVP: Tyler Rozell. The good sized guard knocked out five treys, hit clutch foul shots, and scored 28 points to lead defending Class B champion Warner over Canistota 63-55. Whenever the Hawks looked like they would try and make a run at Warner it was Rozell pushing them back with a dagger jumper or foul shot makes.
Defensive MVP: Dillon Kranz. Dillon is a 6-foot-1 talent that is strong enough and smart enough to defend both inside and out. His well positioned defensive led him to block three shots, contest at least that many more, and grab ten defensive boards leading to a dozen overall. Add in his four scores and he had a strong day for Waverly-South Shore.
Senior Steady. Cooper Williams. Want to know the mark of a good senior? Starting slow with your shot but you still make plays for others around you, then your time comes and you complete. Cooper did just that using a push inside the arc to shift the defense before getting AJ or Riley Peters the ball for completions. He later worked his way to 17 points by hitting at the foul line and making some second half shots. More important was the eight assists.
Under the Radar Performance. Jacob White Lance. In a losing effort the 5-foot-7 senior was able to make some threes that kept his team close. He sunk three treys in the third quarter to close a gap and scored 19 points for the game. There were some turnover issues but Jacob showed off that touch.
Mr. Double-Double. Tony Gross. Gross put up a days high so far of 13 rebounds on his way to a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds in the Waverly-Shore one score win. The Coyotes evened their record out at 3-3 and it was their second straight battle to the end for the win. It was a win they needed and Gross led the way making 7 of 13 looks. He was aggressive and at times put the team on his back leading the way.
Top Underclassmen. Trey Ortmann. Canistota frosh Trey Ortmann scored 13 points and introduced himself to the state with a solid showing in the Pentagon. Hit important shots during his team’s run to stay close to Warner and plays in a mature way.
Top Underclassmen 2. Tex Janis. At around 6-foot-5 or 6-foot-6 playing inside for Little Wound Janis did a nice job going against veteran Vermillion size and getting double double numbers. Battled on the offensive glass for putbacks and his scores late in the half helped keep his team from getting blow out. His development will be interesting but right now he’s young, raw, and productive.
The Best Storyline Going Forward. Can Vermillion get that state tournament big they have been longing for? Things are looking good right now. Good wins over Bon Homme, Lennox, and most recently Tri-Valley and Tea Area. The 71-56 win over Tea Area spoke volumes to South Dakota because this Vermillion squad looks every bit the state title contender they want to be.
Other. Tough day shooting for Riley Peters but he still put up a needed 10 and 8 inside to counter the Little wound bigs Tex Janis and 6-foot-6 senior Ty Apple. Both hit double digits and Peters stepping up on the boards and a few deep post finishes helped deflect the one edge that Little Would had at times.