Top Standouts From Day 1 At State Tournament
In a wild and exciting day 1 at the state tournament, there were plenty of big plays, tough battles and exciting moments. The basketball energy around the Treasure Valley is contagious and day 1 got the juices flowing for all hoop heads across the state.
Teams from outside of the Treasure Valley have certainly showed up in droves, and their support has made each venue for the tournament an amazing place to take in some hoops action. Overall, the talent on display was impressive at all the various levels, but we found some specific displays of downright excellent play from a number of prospects in our rundown below.
Whether it was clutch shooting, domination on the glass, or intense defense, you saw it all in day 1 of the tournament and will likely keep seeing it as we move onto day 2 today. But first, here are our top standouts from the first day of action at the state tournament.
A double-double please
Jake Pfennigs was up to his usual ways in his team’s first win over potential spoiler Centennial. Post Falls looked impressive and it was largely because of Pfennigs who posted a very noteworthy performance going for 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Borah’s double-double machine Austin Bolt did it again while providing his team with some clutch defensive plays to ultimately grab them a first round win. Bolt finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks. He is shining bright right now and will need to bring it again as they square off against a tough and familiar Rocky Mountain squad tonight.
Two players to hit our radar recently and with a great first game showing by way of double-doubles were Valley’s Zane Mussman (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Declo’s Bart Gibby (16 points, 13 rebounds). Both players helped their teams to first round wins as well.
Coleton Adamson of Century was stellar in their clinging type of victory over Bishop Kelly. It was in large part of Adamson’s hustle and cutting to the hoop that he was able to notch a double-double ending with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Future Colorado Mesa player Clancy Thomas showed why he will be tough to handle at the next level posting a mirrored game in points and rebounds with 16 a piece. Thomas let everyone know that he is as dominant as they come for this level.
A double-double list would not be complete without Mr. Double-Double aka Slade Dill from Dietrich. Dill was at it again in the first round win for his team over Mackay going for a nifty 15 points and 15 rebounds. Dill gets a great second round matchup in what could easily be the top game of the entire tournament as Dietrich will face off against Genesis Prep today in a matinee at Rocky Mountain high school.
Top players showing their colors
Normally, a 42 point showing would be a jaw dropping sort of thing for any player in the state but when that same player has already posted a 50 plus point game earlier in the season you look at the final line and take in those 42 points with more regularity. As is the case with Ambrose’s Ethan Christianson who exploded yet again for this team in their first round win over Prairie. Christianson showed how he can get his points up in a hurry but also a great determination by knowing how to excel at the charity stripe as well.
Lapwai’s Emmitt Taylor III, the only boys McDonald’s All-American nominee for the state of the Idaho, put on a show in the first round during their win over Liberty Charter. Taylor III went for 21 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists as he team cruised. Taylor III should keep it going the rest of the way for his team as he is showing everyone why he is a top 2018 player in the state.
Rocky Mountain’s Hunter Ranstorm displayed leadership and poise in a grind out victory over a fierce Boise bunch and in the end finished with 15 points to lead his team in scoring. Up next will be a terrific showdown and opportunity for the 2018 stud to post a good line against the always tough Borah Lions.
Ririe’s Michael Ure had a unusual start for him in their first round game which was decided in Ririe’s favor because of Ure’s fantastic second half performance including the go-ahead bucket to seal the deal. Ure finished with 18 points and will look to best that in the second round today.
Deshun Harwell looked the part for Century in their fun matchup against Bishop Kelly. With nearly the entire Boise State team including Harwell’s brother Malek in attendance, Harwell helped guide his team to victory on smart yet tough plays throughout the game. Harwell ended with 16 points to lead his team in scoring.
Burley looked amazing in their game against Vallivue as they took it to the Falcons with a loud and boisterous crowd in their favor on hand. Burley received amazing backcourt play from 2020 Jace Whiting, son of head coach Trent Whiting who made his looks come easy and finished with 24 points in the win. Next up for Whiting will be a tough guard matchup against the aforementioned Deshun Harwell in the second round today.
Sneaky and efficient
Grace’s Tanner Christensen posted 22 points to help his team get past Oakley in the first round while Kimberly’s Trey Garey was influential in getting his team the win against Kellogg by going for 12 points and 9 rebounds in the process.
Shelley’s Mason Price did a little bit of everything seemingly to help his team notch a first round win over Parma by going for 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.
Dietrich got another solid effort from Kade Shaw who led the team in scoring with 16 points in their first round win. Look for him to continue to be a factor for this team as they move on.