5 takeaways from West Lafayette vs. McCutcheon
In the nightcap, probably the best game of the tournament took place as West Lafayette met McCutcheon for a spot in the championship. In a prior meeting this year, McCutcheon was victorious 61-60 but would not achieve the same result this time. West Lafayette used George Karlaftis, a four star football recruit, to power them to the 57-53 win behind his team leading 18 points. View the complete stats here: West Lafayette vs. McCutcheon
George Karlaftis, better at football or basketball?
Karlaftis is commited to Purdue as a defensive end, but he is almost as good on the hardwood. A guy who bangs around inside despite giving up a height difference brings the energy every night to his team. Karlaftis can’t handle the ball very well, but when you can muscle yourself inside you don’t really need to. He scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds cementing himself inside. He wouldn’t be able to play at the next level but is a darn good player at the high school level.
Robert Phinisee had a rough game, is he as good as we think?
Phinisee shot the ball badly and scored 23 points. That may seem like a lot but he took 22 shots to get there. Phinisee also had 5 turnovers, something that shouldn’t happen for a Big Ten level guard. He is really good but struggled in this one. Phinisee can really do it all, but it was not a good showing in this game. He has what it takes to be a very good college player though.
You have to get a hand up in Matt Krause’s face.
Krause loves to hit the corner shot as he made four from there in this game. He is a good shooter from deep and being a tall guy it’s tough to get a hand up. Krause runs the floor really well and get light it up on any team. He will be a really good small school player at the next level. He really brings everything to the table when he plays, not just shooting.
McCutcheon isn’t as good as last year but can shoot the ball really well.
McCutcheon’s senior class last year was loaded and they left the cupboard bare. Rob Phinisee is easily their best player, being one of the best in the state. They don’t have much height but they do have the shooters to carry them. Rowan Ferrell can make it from deep as can Koby McNeely but the failed to do so in this game. A bad shooting night from a team that generally will shoot it very well.
Is West Lafayette the best team in Lafayette?
West Lafayette played really good basketball as they have multiple players that can score the ball. George Karlaftis may be unstoppable with his strength inside, Matt Krause is a great all-around player and Nelson Mbongo is an uber athletic guard who once he reaches the rim will throw it down. They play Jefferson tonight in the championship and if they pull it off I don’t see they aren’t the best team in the city.