Five Takeaways: Ensworth versus McCallie
On paper McCallie (17-2) clearly appeared as the favorite. Just a single team defeated the Blue Tornado all season entering Saturday evening’s tussle. Still Ensworth hopped out early and finished off McCallie late, winning 70-67.
The Zager Effect
Rarely does a program get to enjoy the experience of a four-year starter. Ensworth’s starting wing Warren Zager has been playing and playing plenty since he was a freshman three years ago. In fact, Zager earned his way into the starting lineup around this time of year in 2015.
Tonight Warren Zager sparked a furious Tiger first quarter.
22 pts for @WarrenZager . @Ensworth_Hoops final box. pic.twitter.com/ir03K3Jc5o
— PrepHoopsTennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) January 21, 2018
Teammate Keshawn Lawrence drove baseline. As McCallie’s sliding big cut off Lawrence’s path, the gifted athlete bounced off the deck and fed a cutting Zager in the middle of the lane. Using impressive rise, Zager floated a simple floater to open the game’s scoring.
It was the first of five first quarter field goals for Warren Zager. His 11 points set the tone for the game.
Warren finished with 22 points to lead all scorers.
Rebounding
Ensworth simply doesn’t have the horses or size to compete against legitimate frontcourts on the glass. McCallie has a few big boys in the paint.
In the first quarter Ensworth, namely, Warren Zager and Keshawn Lawrence, hardly missed. You can’t rebound makes.
When the Tigers started to cool off a touch (second quarter), the rebound battles truly began.
McCallie bigs like John Hardy and Jorden Starling hammered the glass. Mac Hunt plucked a few rebounds. It was difficult for the hosting Tigers to keep up as the game wore on. It took positioning and quick feet to shield the hungry Blue Tornado players away.
Quiet Clay
Saturday was not Junior Clay’s (PrepHoopsTN #18) typical electric showcase.
Clay finished with 10 points and held his head as the final horn sounded. Junior Clay was tasked with driving the length of the floor and heaving a longshot long shot to tie the basketball game at 70. He missed.
Any star would have missed that heave. The final miss only summoned frustration because of the 30 minutes that preceded it.
Throughout the first half Clay only initiated in bursts. McCallie’s engine did drop off a lovely no-look pass to John Hardy. He also sliced into the lane for an off-balanced layup.
Overall, Clay can be a nightmare with the basketball. He is so quick and decisive in tight spots.
2018 F @JordenStarling fights for reb. Odd turnover on Junior Clay. He was one-on-one with a great chance to create unabated. 50-49 McCallie early 4Q.
— PrepHoopsTennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) January 21, 2018
Saturday Junior Clay was not good. His supporting cast played well enough and Clay might still finish the season with sparkle, but the loss stung. After he missed the last three-pointer the starting point guard dropped his head and stood perplexed possibly discouraged at the end result.
The Three Ball
Trip Butler’s fourth quarter triple opened up McCallie’s biggest lead of the night, 55-51. After a sparkling first quarter from the hosting Ensworth Tigers, McCallie’s lead surprised.
The opening quarter saw Warren Zager score 11 points. Both he and Keshawn Lawrence hit three-pointers in the first quarter.
In all the Tigers nailed six triples courtesy of six different players.
As the Blue Tornado clawed back, Ensworth kept taking and missing outside shots.
As good as they looked early, the offense sputtered late.
Worth a watch: @McCalliehoops at @Ensworth_Hoops ; Closing time https://t.co/bl6EPIQMQ0
— PrepHoopsTennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) January 21, 2018
Free Throws
When they needed to late, Ensworth hit their free throws.
In the last 30 seconds, Jaylin Clemmons hit both. #20 hit both. Junior Clay slashed into the paint and converted a quick two, extending the game. Faced with more high pressure free throws, late-game substitute Dominic Wynn buried both.
On the ensuing possession, Clay ran the floor and lofted a hopeful three-pointer. It clattered off the backboard, ending the Blue Tornado hopes.
Ensworth (9-7) celebrated following a special late January victory.