10 Best: Anderson vs. Lapel
Anderson was coming off a big win versus Pendleton Heights early in the week and were coming into Lapel to make it a 2-0 record to start the season. Early on it looked like Anderson was going to cruise to an easy victory over the 2A AP #18 team, but Lapel battled back from a 14 point deficit to get it to within four multiple times. They could never get over the hump falling to Anderson, 71-67. View the complete stats from the game here: Anderson vs. Lapel
MVP – JoMel Boyd | 2018 | 6’4 SG
While five Anderson players scored in double-digits, Boyd really was the full package. He was 4/8 to lead the team with 13 points and also added in four rebounds, four steals and a block. It was the all-around solid performance that Anderson needed from him and they got it.
Best offensive player – Luke Richardson | 2019 | 6’5 SF
When you score 31 points most nights you’re going to be the best offensive player that night. Richardson shot the ball at a 55% clip and further his offense by bringing down six offensive boards. He was easily the most potent player on the floor.
Best defensive player – Brandon Haralson | 2019 | 5’10 G
Sometimes on defense the smaller guards are overlooked, but not Haralson. He was a force on defense getting five steals and pressuring the ball every opportunity he got. He fueled the defense with his hustle.
Best bench player – Bryce Carpenter | 2020 | 6’4 F
Carpenter is a very intriguing guy and I got my first look at him in this game. He is a lanky wing who can handle the ball a little bit. He came in and did everything that was asked pretty decently. Not going to excel at this point, but a working 6th or 7th man on a team.
Best prospect – Marquavius Beverly | 2018 | 6’5 F
Beverly has tons of bounce. He tried to throw down multiple times but either got fouled or missed it. He does really well going to the rim because he’s so tall and long but he can’t shoot the long ball. He will average close to a double-double a game and will either go D2/JUCO route and will need to have some work before contributing.
Best raw player – Carson Huber | 2020 | 5’7 PG
If I am being honest, Huber was awful. Absolutely terrible. The worst game I have ever seen out of a point guard as he had 10 turnovers. But, for a sophomore drawing his first start against Anderson I liked some of what I saw. He’s not up to the speed yet and didn’t help that they pressed the whole game but Huber will be a decent point guard at the high school level.
Best guy I didn’t know before – Ethen Russell | 2018 | 6’3 SG
Russell statistically didn’t really go much but he looked as if he could be very solid. He missed every shot he took and only had one rebound but for the starting shooting guard he ran the offense well when he had to and had two assists. He’s just a solid player whose shot wasn’t dropping tonight.
Best underclassman – Joseph Jones | 2020 | 5’9 G
Jones was solid as a sophomore scoring 11 points on 4/9 shooting. He was everywhere on the court and he is quick. Jones had two offensive rebounds a couple assists and a steal. Jones is a very good prospect which we need to keep an eye on for the future.
Best coaching decision – Anderson runs a press
Anderson came out in a press and really created havoc. They pressed pretty much the entire game and the press led to long passes so they easily picked them off. Due to the press, Anderson forced 29 turnovers in the game and that stat is why they won.
Best storyline – Anderson wins again, can they keep it going?
It has been six years since Anderson started the year 2-0 and it has been four years since they last won over Lapel. They have New Castle up next, one of the better 3A teams this year. If they play them close or win, I’ll start to believe in Anderson. After that game, they do have some winnable games. So, it wouldn’t be out of the question for them to exceed the number of games they won last year by Christmas.