Tarkanian Classic: Day 1 Results: Day 2 Previews for Colorado Teams
Overland vs. Wilson, 12:30 p.m.
Overland is coming off yet another close fought heartbreaking loss, which now puts them at 0-5 on the season and in a desperate spot of not making the playoffs. Their 69-63 loss to Bishop Gorman in the opening game of the Tarkanian Classic in Vegas is now their fifth straight loss of losing by seven or less points. They’re in games, just having a tough time finishing. Tucson Redding, Daijon Smith, Jalone Rice, Goy Wang Jr and Hezekial Swanson must find a way to get themselves a win and maybe it comes on December 21st vs. Woodrow Wilson High School from D.C who also fell in the opening round 73-57 to Corona Centennial, so it’s the battle of two teams that are looking for their first win in the tournament.
Bingham vs. George Washington, 12:30 p.m.
George Washington fell to Chino Hills 66-64 in the opening round of the Tarkanian Classic yesterday due to a costly turnover in crunch time. It was a hard fought battle as JoVon Nelson and Xavier Cooper had a great opening half and Jon’il Fugett and Devon Jones tried everything in their power at the end to get them to the finish line, they just ended up falling short. With the loss they move to 5-3 on the season and in a prime spot to bounce-back against 3-3 Bingham from Utah. Bingham is coming off of a 62-66 loss to PC North and is led by Seniors Ryan Wood and Brayden Cosper. Sophomore Ethan Langston has also been playing well as of late so the battle of the guards will be on full display in this one. Fugett, Cooper, Nelson and Carter will be tasked at pushing the pace against a team with not as many athletes but are known to also push the pace if they have to. Should be a good one in which the Patriots prevail.
Grandview vs. Durango, 4:30 p.m.
Grandview has been on a tear to start out this season. They’re 6-0 on the season and took that same great start and watched it carry over into a new state. Carver played them tough and went on a few runs, but the Wolves held their ground and triumphed over the Rams winning 50-45. Seniors Ben Boone and Gunner Gentry played well and did all of the small things you ask for from your seniors. Gentry signed his NLI with the University of Wyoming which makes sense as his physical presence on the defensive end and boards were one of the main reasons for the win. Unger came off the bench and gave a spark to the offense while Dombro gave them the edge with his scrappy defense.
They now go up against the 3-3 Durango Trailblazers from Vegas that play a fast paced-up tempo brand of basketball that Grandview isn’t accustomed to. I’m sure the Wolves will slow down the pace and come in with a methodical approach. Look for Dayne Prim to be fed early and often in this game.
John Muir vs. Chaparral, 9 p.m.
Well they say “all good things must come to an end.” With that being said, Chaparral isn’t undefeated anymore as they fell on a last second three-pointer 49-50 to Camarillo out of California. But, the show must go on and we have to expect that Ronnie DeGray III will be ready to avenge his birthday loss. He played well and was a difference maker before fouling out late. Expect Kobe Sanders, Joseph Dalton, Bryce Matthews and Tanner Giles to be ready to bring energy and intensity as they look for their first out of state win and avoid a losing streak. They’re up against John Muir (2-3) who were dominated 72-42 in the opening round to Prestonwood. Muir has a balanced approach as their starting five all average double-digits led by Senior Hunter Woods (17.5 pts, 6.3 rbs) and they rebound the ball well. This will be a test for DeGray and the bigs for the Wolverines. But one I think Chaparral gets back into their winning ways here and gets ready for the tourney round.
Valor Christian vs. Sierra Vista, 3:10 p.m.
Valor was one of the Colorado teams that did win yesterday as they knocked off a talented Oak Ridge team 67-64 that came into the game undefeated. Valor issued them their first loss in a well contested battle but it was a team effort by Valor. As long as Hunter Shkapich, Jeremy Randle, Darian Haag and Roger Rosengarten are playing hard, the Eagles have an opportunity to win. Expect Shkapich to play aggressive against 4-4 Sierra Vista from Las Vegas. They won their opening game in the Tarkanian Classic in a high scoring 94-85 affair against Jordan (Utah) and will look to stay forceful in their ways. Seniors Maka Ellis (26 pts, 7 rbs) will give the Eagles all they can handle. It’s going to take a concerted effort on the defensive end stopping Ellis and better shooting than they displayed in their first game if they want to get by. But if they execute late in the game as they did against Sierra Vista and they’ll be primed for another victory.
Denver East, Desert Pines
This will be the Angel’s first game in the Tarkanian Classic as they were able to stay home and rest an additional day before starting league play. They bring their 6-0 record against a 2-2 Las Vegas team (Desert Pines) that hasn’t started off the season too well. They’re led by Sophomore Darnell Washington (9.5 ppg) and Freshman Dayshawn Wiley (9 ppg). Colorado commit Daylen Kountz (21.2 points 5.5 assist) should have a field day and wouldn’t surprise me if he went for 30 to start the tournament. Kwane Marble and Chase Neagle also surround him and should have a good game to prepare them for the rest of the tournament. This East Angels team is one of the best teams in Colorado and now will take this show on the road to prove it.