5 Takeaways: Nashville vs Columbia
On Tuesday night PrepHoopsIllinois checked out a battle between Nashville and Columbia. It was a low scoring game early, but then Nashville got steals and hit some shots to push the lead winning by a final of 46-32. Here are our 5 Takeaways: Nashville vs Columbia.
Bryce Bultman is Impact Recruit for McKendree
The new coaching staff at D2 McKendree did a tremendous job of identifying the top local player at their level and going after him aggressively. That ultimately led to the commitment of Nashville 6’5” point guard Bryce Bultman. The state’s #31 overall prospect will be an impact player at the D2 level. He has above average size for position along with a tremendous feel for the game. In this game he was able to show off his versatility. Super underrated athlete as he got by his man on a couple occasions for impressive reverse layups. Scored in the open floor where he handles weaving in and out of defenders. Was able to guard against Columbia’s posts using his quickness to get steals on entry passes. Runs the team and makes sound decisions with the ball. He had 20 points on the night.
Carson Parker is One of Sleeper Gems in 2020 Out of 618
Parker has next at Nashville. The shooting guard is a silky smooth offensive threat that was quiet early and then got it rolling in the second half. It all started with him being aggressive posting up a weaker defender for a score on the block. Then he drilled a spot up three from the wing and a pull up jumper. Handles continue to improve and we came away very impressed with his enhanced passing. Had a great skip pass for an assist. He had 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Nashville Supporting Cast
Bultman and Parker are the stars, but what makes this Nashville team intriguing is their supporting cast. Class of 2020 5’10” point guard Tristen Hercules is a smaller point guard that hits open shots and plays his role. Senior 5’11” point guard Kelton Harre is a tough defender that took multiple charges. Scrappy defender that also hit an open three. Tanner Bergman is a big man that hit a mid-range jumper and finished with his off hand on a drive for four points. Combo forward Terry Pelczynski brings toughness and can stretch the floor with his shooting.
Can Nashville Compete for 2A State Title?
Nashville definitely is the team to beat from southern Illinois at the 2A level. They have the most talent led by Bultman and Parker. Their role players will have to continue to progress throughout the year for them to compete in a potential final four match up with a Leo, Uplift, or Orr.
Columbia Big Men Have Big Seasons Ahead
The strength of Columbia is their senior post duo. Class of 2019 power forward Cole Khoury had a very good night. The 6’8” broad shouldered big man keeps the ball high. He loves using the up and under move on the block. Got on the offensive glass for a put back and scored off an out of bounds play. Solid area rebounder. Went for 12 points. His teammate Jon Peterson presents size at 6’7”. Connected on a pick and pop jumper along with another baseline shot. Fought hard on the glass. He had 7 points. There just isn’t a lot of legit size in the state or area so that makes this duo dangerous.