Five Takeaways: Mt. Juliet-Lovett (GA)
Despite a late-game inability to run out the clock, Mt. Juliet defeated Lovett (GA) 57-52 Wednesday afternoon at the Wolverine Classic.
Lovett has some shooters
Three Lovett Lions hit multiple three-pointers in the loss. Peyton Ringer, Crawford Schwigger, and Lance Beck all hit their outside opportunities. Beck scored 13 points (4 3’s) and scored 8 points (2 3’s).
Closing out on shooters was a critical problem for Mt. Juliet and it was the major flaw of the Golden Bear performance. They did hold on to win, but the next time they meet an accomplished shooting team they need to do better in this particular aspect.
Mt. Juliet gets the coach’s Directives
The Golden Bears of Mt. Juliet listened with intent during every timeout and break in the action. Based on how swiftly they implemented the coach’s instructions the players are really coachable and basketball smart.
By executing a nice high-low and sprinting up the floor, with or without the basketball, Mt. Juliet overwhelmed the Georgia visitors early in the final quarter.
Jordan Lockridge can take a pounding
Early in the third quarter Mt. Juliet PG Jordan Lockridge sustained a wild foul. While sprinting upfloor on the fastbreak, Lockridge was 2+ feet off the floor and absorbed an entire colliding body. The defender knocked Lockridge sideways and the foul dinged up Lockrdige’s hip and lower back. It will hurt tomorrow.
Lockridge took a couple minutes to adjust, but he did hit an important three-pointer in the same quarter. The fourth quarter hinged on tempo and Mt. Juliet was able, largely through Jordan’s handles and speed, to keep ratcheting up the tempo.
Though short for his position, Lockridge (PrepHoopsTN #88) looks like a D3 prospect.
Mt. Juliet Uses their Size
Instead of backing down to the block, Mt. Juliet’s bigs ran the floor and flashed late. Their availability really created problems for an undersized Lovett squad. Both Isaac Stephens and Riggs Abner infused the game with power.
Their presence mattered in both the halfcourt and in the open floor. Their ability and eagerness to run the floor really opened up the court for penetrating guards.
Again credit the coaching staff with imparting their wisdom and emboldening the bigs.
Recruiting for Stephens
A college recruiter from Maryville (TN) stopped by to evaluate Isaac Stephens. Stephens played well and talked after the game about his college options with PrepHoopsTN. The senior big does not have any formal timeline for a decision.
Stephens thrives on running the floor and according to his coach can finish with either hand around the basket. It was a tough game to evaluate his future, as Lovett didn’t have any strong players over 6-foot-2. Obviously, Isaac Stephens will see more formidable defenders at the next level.