Powerhouse Hoops Showcase: Perry vs. Mountain Pointe basketball top performers
The Perry High School Pumas defeated 2018’s AIA state playoff runners-up Mountain Pointe 49-46 on the first game day in the Powerhouse Hoops Showcase, mucking up the game and making it difficult for Mountain Pointe to get any easy baskets.
Here are four of the game’s top performers:
- Jalen Williams: Perry
Last year’s leading scorer established his dribbling skills and ability to get into the paint early, to create lay ups or passes to his teammates near the rim for assists. Having to respect his skills, the Pride defense sagged off, which he countered with his share of pull-up jumpers. He was pivotal for the Perry offense, and he played tough, physical defense on the perimeter.
- Jalen Graham: Mountain Pointe
Graham utilized his post moves early and often, which are about as polished as any prep player in the state. He turned over both shoulders for points near the rim, and when the necessary double-teams came, he passed well from the post. He also provided the highlight play of the game in the first 30 seconds, on a strong baseline spin that he finished with a two-handed dunk.
- Kyle Patterson: Perry
As dominant as Graham was on offense, Patterson led a defense that made it incredibly difficult for any of the other role players to score or make plays. He was quick to provide double-teams when necessary, and always looked to run in transition on offense for easy buckets. He also boxed out and provided second-chance opportunities on the offensive end.
- T.J. Tigler: Mountain Pointe
The Mountain Pointe Pride played two units, substituting fully with a second unit when the starters rested, and Tigler was crucial in those minutes. He gave the bench unit life with a flurry of drives to the basket that he finished with floaters. Though there was a significant difference in production between the two units, he kept the Pride afloat when the first team sat.