Crespi V.s. De La Salle Game Changers
The Championship game of the Chris Vontoure Spartan Classic was headlined by two very good programs. The host De La Salle Spartans took on SoCal’s Crespi Celts in an incredibly physical showdown. Before we dive into the players that made…
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Continue ReadingThe Championship game of the Chris Vontoure Spartan Classic was headlined by two very good programs. The host De La Salle Spartans took on SoCal’s Crespi Celts in an incredibly physical showdown. Before we dive into the players that made this game so exciting, lets breakdown the teams as a whole.
Both teams took turns enforcing their wills on the game. For Crespi, their Kansas hi-low offense kept the focus on interior play while kicking out for three point shots when needed. They also used an effective 3–2 zone to maximize the length of their athletic forwards which was effective at making the opposing offense indecisive at times. Meanwhile, the Spartans use of the Wisconsin Swing Offense showcased a team where everyone is a threat to shoot, dribble, pass or post. They displayed a very high basketball I.Q. that made Crespi pay for any mental mistakes. De la Salle also displayed why they are arguably the most disciplined defense in the East Bay Athletic League as well as the North Coast Section. A physical group of players that don’t get in foul trouble and communicate constantly.
Here are the players that were so effective during the course of the battle between two playoff level teams.
- Thomas Gregorios (De La Salle), 6’1 Point Guard, 2019
The spartans floor general was excellent on both ends of the floor as he leads both by example and verbally. He defended very well on and off the ball as well as forcing a few 5 second calls. Offensively, he has a smooth change of speed to augment his shooting ability. He uses his high I.Q. for the game to constantly keep his teammates in scoring position. Thomas was an All-Tournament selection.
- Kyle Owens (Crespi), 6’7 Small Forward, 2019
The All-Tournament selection and MVP of the tournament showcased strong versatility. He is strong on the low block but deadly from deep as a three point shooter as his length allows him to shoot over defenders. He can take over a game at will with his ability to be a matchup nightmare. His combination of size and skill allowed him to attack closeouts with ease.
- Tim Kostolansky (De La Salle), 6’7 Power Forward, 2019
This kid is the epitome of toughness. An excellent defender who does a great job of playing physical without fouling. On the offensive end, he is an underatted passer with a solid midrange game to match his skill level on the block. His steady play is what allows the Spartans defense to take on any matchup that arises. Tim was an All-Tournament selection.
- Colin Weems (Crespi), 5’8 Point Guard, 2021
Crespi feeds off of the competitive energy that Colin creates. A very tough minded player who will kill opponents with his strong shooting and solid playmaking ability. If the opposing team isn’t ready to compete, Colin will make you pay. A strong I.Q. for the game allows him to make the correct play more often than not. Colin was an All-Tournament selection.
- Cade Argobast (De La Salle), 6’3 Shooting Guard, 2019
An excellent three point sniper, Cade is one of those players that makes coaches think every shot is going in. With a quick and textbook release, Cade does a great job of getting in scoring position off of the ball as defenders get tired of chasing him around multiple screens.
- Robert Power (Crespi), 6’3 Shooting Guard, 2020
The sniper who truly shifted the momentum back in favor of Crespi caught fire in the second half. What sets him apart from the other great shooters in this game is the fact that his range is as deep as any shooter around. He hits the kind of shots that can take the air right out of an opposing teams sails. More than just a shooter, he has a great change of speed that he uses to get into the paint to finish an array of layups as well as makes his teammates better. Robert was an All-Tournament selection.
- Noah Clifford (De La Salle), 6’5 Power Forward, 2022
An above average maturity level and high I.Q. are what make Noah different from most freshman players. Never in a rush, he plays solid positional defense without fouling. Offensively, he is a great fit within the teams Swing Offense as he is able to play on the perimeter. He is a strong passer who shows the rare ability to throw his teammates into open spots. A solid looking shot from deep means that this kid has barely scratched the surface of his potential.