Five Takeaways: Monterey-M.A.S.E.
The Class A morning game tightened up more than Monterey Wildcats (31-6) would have liked. In fact, M.A.S.E. (21-7) captured their first lead with 2:42 remaining in the contest, but Monterey made the plays late to win, 53-50.
Last play: https://twitter.com/PrepHoopsTN/status/974320033450016768
M.A.S.E. shot 27 more shots thanks to 15 offensive rebounds. Unfortunately, for the Mets they missed 73.3% of their attempts.
Hot Start
Monterey’s Wildcats converted five of their first eight attempts. In fact, Monterey won both the first and second quarters with efficient, patient execution.
Monterey's sizable (350 fans) are on their feet. MHS leads 20-10 with 5:25 left in 2Q. Part of the run came from a @tyrus_west 20' jumper.
— Prep Hoops Tennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) March 15, 2018
“Yeah, we felt like we were being overlooked bigtime,” said Monterey center Michael Cody. “Not to sound arrogant, but we knew we were a really good team.”
Stifling Arecko
Arecko Gipson Jr. entered the game the most highly-coveted Class a recruit in the field. Arecko is a lean 6-foot-6 wing forward with an imposing wingspan capable of open floor wizardry.
How did Monterey limit him to 25.0% shooting?
“They were helping off on defense,” said Arecko Gipson Jr. afterwards.
A surefire D1 prospect, Arecko managed just 10 points and committed three late errors.
According to MHS center Michael Cody, “We knew he liked the high elbows.”
Broken Glass
The Mets of M.A.S.E. capably lofted countless layups up and off the glass, but most of their offerings careened off the wrong portion. By shooting low percentage shots in tight, the Memphian Mets constantly missed in critical early moments.
The 19 first half misses poisoned the well of goodwill M.A.S.E. filled with their state run. About 15 of their attempts came within 5′. The conversion rate simply had to be much higher. The Mets shot below 35.0% in all but the third quarter.
“I think they did a good job with their zone principles,” said M.A.S.E. Head Coach Marcus Moody. “I think we got in to the gaps a little bit more in the second half.”
Setting Up
For M.A.S.E. pressure is everything. They thrive off those post-make deflections coming from their invested press. The tricky thing about a fullcourt press is you can only set it up after you make a basket. And the Mets missed more than their share of baskets.
“I think we only scored eight points in the first quarter and yes we can’t set up (when we don’t make baskets),” said Head Coach Moody.
Everything went right for M.A.S.E. in the third quarter. It was easily their best stretch of the contest and hinged upon the swarming, crippling pressure their fullcourt press initiated.
M.A.S.E. won the quarter 20-13 and set themselves up for a last minute showdown.
Speed Kills
Trailing 27-16 at the half, M.A.S.E. needed a sip of 5-Hour Energy drink. They woke up at the half and rattled off a 16-9 third quarter run.
Using their trademarked speed the Mets surged back into the contest. These makes allowed them to jump passing lanes and constrict the Monterey backcourt ball advancement. M.A.S.E. scored nine points off turnovers in the third quarter alone.
“I am excited about that,” said Head Coach Moody. “We made history as the first charter school to make it here.”
Monterey High School will play the winner between Columbia Academy and Loretto Friday afternoon.