Five Takeaways: Highland Park-Seaman
Five Takeaways: Highland Park-Seaman
TOPEKA — Highland Park rallied from an 18-point, third quarter deficit to record a thrilling 68-58 win over Seaman on the Scots’ home court in Topeka.
With the win Highland Park heads into the Holiday break sporting a 4-2 record and will next play at Manhattan on Jan. 5, while Seaman falls to 3-2. They will next host Junction City on Jan. 5.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several players who stood out in the contest.
MVP: Kenny Stewart (6’2, G, 2018, Highland Park). It was Stewart’s big third quarter that really helped turn the tide as the Scots began to chip away at a big Seaman lead. Stewart went for 14 points in the frame, including three 3-pointers and finished with 25 points and five rebounds. Stewart is an athletic guard that likes to create offense off the bounce. He can get to the bucket off the drive, but is also dangerous in the mid-range.
Best Offensive Performer: Dsani Giardina (5’10, PG, 2018, Highland Park). Giardina had a huge fourth quarter, scoring 15 points and helped the Scots stabilize things at the free throw line as he went 7 for 7 at the stripe in the final frame. This after opening the game by missing his first four free throws. Giardina is a tough competitor at the point guard position at both ends of the floor. He can shoot from the 3-point arc and shows the ability to play on or off the ball.
Best Defensive Performer: Will White (6’3, G/F, 2018, Highland Park). White probably didn’t have his best night shooting the ball as he scored 10 points, but he knocked down a big 3 early in the fourth quarter and led Highland Park with six rebounds. At the defensive end is where White excels as he brings versatility and toughness to the court.
Best Passer: Trey Duffey (6’5, PF/C, Seaman). Duffey is a versatile interior player who uses his size well and has a terrific feel for scoring around the basket. He went for 21 points and a game-high nine rebounds, but also showed the ability to find the open man, pass out of double teams and set up shooters and cutters. Duffey also has a terrific free throw stroke as he went 11 for 12 at the line.
Best Off the Bench: Jackson Cobb (Seaman). Cobb is a terrific all-around forward and his game compliments Duffey well. Cobb is comfortable in the high post, can step out to the 3-point line and shoot the 3 ball, and is a terrific passer. He can also get on the boards, and play the high-low game with Duffer. He came in off the Vikings’ bench to score nine points in the first half and finihsed with 11 points and four rebounds.