Ten Best: Castle vs. Ben Davis
In a game of runs, it was the final shot that determined the outcome in this one. Castle looked strong early on but Ben Davis was making shots early. Then, Ben Davis kept making shots. And then, in the final…
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Continue ReadingIn a game of runs, it was the final shot that determined the outcome in this one. Castle looked strong early on but Ben Davis was making shots early. Then, Ben Davis kept making shots. And then, in the final seconds, Josh Brewer made the final shot from three that lifted Ben Davis into the 4A State Finals with a 74-71 win over Castle.
MVP: Josh Brewer (Ben Davis)
When you have a team high 19 points and hit the game-winner to put your team into the State Finals, you are going to be the MVP of the game. Brewer, however, played fairly under-the-radar for most of the game. In the fourth quarter he had back to back dunks and then hit the game winning three at the buzzer giving him 7 of his 19 in extremely clutch situations. It was a great game for him.
Play of the Game: Josh Brewer (Ben Davis)
The final play is our play of the game. Henry got it isolated on the right wing and Jack Nunge ended up switching onto him and Castle had help pushing up just beyond in case he tried to drive. However, Henry made the right play to find a fairly wide open Brewer across the arc for a catch-and-shoot opportunity that he didn’t miss leaving no time on the clock. Everyone did the right thing it was all up to Brewer to hit the shot and he did.
Best Offensive Performance: Jack Nunge (Castle)
Easily the best offensive player is Nunge in this one. He played outstanding although he slowed down in the third quarter when Ben Davis was making their big run. With that being said, Nunge scored 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. He has proven over the course of this season that he has taken his game to a new level and should be given a long, long look at Mr. Basketball. He took over the game in a few different stretches including taking it the full length of the court
Best Defensive Performance: Jack Nunge (Castle)
Nunge was pretty good on the defensive end as well. Early on, Ben Davis really tried to stay away from the interior and Harper and the other guards struggled to finish or even get to where they could make a play. Not only that, but grabbing 14 rebounds with a good chunk of them being defensive, that really helped to limit Ben Davis’ second chance opportunities.
Best Guy Off The Bench: R.J. Turner (Ben Davis)
The 10 points that R.J. gave from the bench was just the epitome of how Ben Davis has gotten to this point. It was a team effort. Turner was one of 5 players for Ben Davis who scored double-digit points in this game. Oddly, no one scored a single point that didn’t have double-digits. Turner seemed to get lucky bounces and came up with a couple plays at the rim that helped push out the lead in the third quarter.
Best Intangibles: Aaron Henry (Ben Davis)
Henry was the primary focus of Castle from the jump and they did well to hold him but he still managed 17 points in this one along with a couple big finishes in transition. He was also the next best defender in the game and his ability to switch on different guys gave Ben Davis a little more versatility. He plays with some calmness while still being tough.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance: Jalen Newsom (Ben Davis)
Had it not been for Nunge going bonkers again, Newsom would have been the top offensive player. Newsom scored 18 points, all coming on three-pointers. He’s not a consistent weapon for Ben Davis and so that is why this comes a little under-the-radar. However, he’s had some games like this where he gets hot but maybe this might have been the best one yet.
Best Underclassmen: Alex Hemenway (Castle)
The best underclassmen is Hemenway who had a pretty good game yesterday. The 6’2 guard is continually showing that he could stick on the ball at the next level and his shot making ability is really good when he is on. He scored 21 points in the loss and hit 5 three-pointers. Hemenway already has offers from some low and mid-major programs and could solidify his position this spring running with Indiana Elite.
Best Prospect College Coaches Should Watch More: Jalen Newsom (Ben Davis)
For as well as he played yesterday, you can easily see how Newsom could fit in for a college program. He’s got good size and a great outside shot and nearly any small school would love to have that. He’s a similar player to Indianapolis Pike / Marian Univ. guard Derek Hawthorne and Hawthorne might have arguably been an All-Conference player in the Crossroads League this season had he not gotten hurt.
Best Storyline Moving Forward: For Ben Davis, they will now head into the 4A State Finals and try to take down one of the more impressive teams this season in Fort Wayne North. North is extremely talented and extremely big. How Ben Davis matched up with Castle could give them an idea of how to deal with Jaylen Butz. However, you still will have to stop Keion Brooks and that isn’t easy. Ben Davis has won in a few different ways this tournament and it seems like they are just going to keep it rolling next weekend.