The Best: DeLaSalle wins their 6th straight title
DeLaSalle won their sixth straight state title today when they beat Austin in the title game (for the third time in five years). Goanar Mar scored a game high 28 points with 11 rebounds.
MVP. Goanar Mar. Goanar has now been a key part of four DeLaSalle state title teams and he had one of his best games for the Islanders tonight scoring 28 points on 9 of 15 shooting plus he made two threes and all eight of his foul shots. Mar had a double-double as he led the game in boards (11) plus his defense was phenomenal. Mar’s offense started with contested jumper makes from mid-range and then extended to the arc. A fantastic all around game for the future George Mason forward.
Best Offensive Player. Both Gach. The evolution of Both Gach continues. Not just a three point shooter any more. He can do that (made two early) but his ball handling has improved so he plays some point, Both is great pushing in transition, his passing is much improved, and he consistently attacks with success. Had 14 points on six of eight shooting.
Best Defensive Player. Dave Thorson. I don’t know which one to pick. I would first say Goanar but I’ve already talked about Goanar. Next thought is Dominic Bledsoe who was also very good but the Islanders as a team were so good switching into perfect position that Austin always dealt with pressure and consistently tried to pass into contested lanes. Pretty much all the Islanders were fantastic defensively and it’s the teaching of Head Coach David Thorson that led to their success.
Best Underclassmen. Tyrell Terry. Tyrell picked his spots all contest long and picked them correctly. He hit a three on a third reversal that stopped an 8-0 Austin spurt. Tyrell made a second three after 30 seconds of offense. He made an And1 in transition attacking the right angle while being fouled. Terry scored 11 points on nine shots, handled soundly, and defensively was always in the right position to step into a switch, take away a passing lane, or call out the correct defensive tactic. A smooth, dependable player.
Best Off the Bench. CJ Dickson. Islander junior came off the bench to board well like he always does (averages 6.2, had six tonight) plus he scored on a pair of shots including a three. Dickson helped limit Oman Oman to two of six shooting and he did the job on ball screens like all of his teammates were able to.
Best Prospect. Gabe Kalscheur. Right now it’s Gabe Kalscheur as the junior has the Gopher offer and high major looks. Not a good shooting day for Kalscheur who was four of eleven and made one of five threes but he did find himself at the foul line for 13 shots making 11. The free throws got Gabe to 20 points for the game. This year Kalscheur has been more aggressive going at the rim (121 of his 337 shots were at the arc) and he improved defensively.
Best Under the Radar Performance. Austin Crowd. This may have been the most creative and fun student section performance in the history of a team that lost. The “meow meow meow”, the incredibly loud “shriek” scream, the “Oman Oman Oman OOOOOOMMMAANNN OMMAAAAN” and the “O-B O-B O-B” were great among other things. The Red Sea makes the game fun even when it’s a blowout.
Best Historical Point. David Thorson. This is his ninth state title won and his sixth in a row. He’s now won 527 career games and everything starts with defense and preparation. His team is the current standard.
Best Story Moving Forward. Another Rematch? This is the third time that Austin and DeLaSalle have played this game in five years. Can it happen again? DeLaSalle brings back Terry, Kalscheur, and Sage Booker from their starting line-up plus top reserve CJ Dickson. They lose three seniors but have a wealth of young talent that could step in. Austin brings back their starting backcourt of Tate Hebrink, Both Gach, and Duoth Gach as well as reserve Moses Issa. Sophomores Ngor Deng and Dongrin Deng led the Packer JV to an undefeated year hammering everyone. Can there be another rematch? It’s very possible. Both will be very good next season.
Other. Duoth Gach. Both and Duoth are both playing with the D1 Minnesota squad on the Adidas tour. A common question has been who is recruiting them and although not many have called yet, they will get calls soon. Duoth scored two treys and had ten points in the loss.