Marion Holiday Classic: Recap
The Marion Holiday Classic showcased four games, eight teams and some of the top players in the state. We recap the day with each game and MVP of the day. Here is the breakdown. Game 1: Liberty Christian vs. Fort…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Marion Holiday Classic showcased four games, eight teams and some of the top players in the state. We recap the day with each game and MVP of the day. Here is the breakdown.
Game 1: Liberty Christian vs. Fort Wayne North
Fort Wayne North pulled out to a big lead to open up the game and showed off their stars with Michael Scott and Ryan Collins playing well early. At halftime, it was a North 19 point lead but that didn’t stop Liberty Christian from making a run and cutting it all the way down to two points. They built it on the backs of turnovers in the third quarter but then the roles flipped and Liberty started to miss shots and turn the ball over as North pushed the lead back out and won, 60-50.
MVP: #10 Michael Scott – 6’6 PF 2020 – Fort Wayne North (IN)
**18 points against Liberty Christian (IN)**
Scott is a big forward who is a little raw but has some upside. Big and has some size but needs to clean up the frame. Moves pretty well and can compete on the low block and face up a bit. He’s not so mobile that he can play really well in transition but does get up and down the floor. Showed he has some scoring ability on the low block with a nice turnaround jumper from the mid-elbow. As he gets tougher and stronger, his low block production should grow.
Game 2: Bishop Dwenger vs. Richmond
Bishop Dwenger set the tone early with a 17-3 first quarter and never really let up. Richmond clawed back a little bit but wasn’t able to get over the hump and Dwenger kept them at bay. Hayden Smithey, John Hoffman, and Matt Kochanski really stepped up offensively and Richmond just could never get back closer than ten. Dwenger seemed to finish so well around the rim and there wasn’t much room for error for Richmond as they fall, 61-44.
MVP: #4 Matt Kochanski – 5’11 SG 2019 – Bishop Dwenger (IN)
**16 points against Richmond (IN)**
Kochanski is a solid guard who can score it pretty well and help on the ball at times. Handles isn’t as tight as it needs to be but scores it well enough to make up for it. Was aggressive down low and did well rebounding for his size. Offensively, he can step out and hit a mid-range pull-up as well as a floater in the lane. Will be interesting to see how he is used at the next level, better if he can clean up the handle.
Game 3: Brownsburg vs. Fort Wayne Snider
This game was a tough one from the jump as Brownsburg came out attacking left and right, from Reis Thomas to Cam Alford, they held the advantage the entire game. Thomas had one of the best games of his career and Snider seemed to just miss shots by a little bit each time, causing them to fall behind early and just could never get back in play as they fall to Brownsburg, 64-50.
MVP: #10 Reis Thomas – 6’3 SF 2019 – Brownsburg (IN)
**18 points against Fort Wayne Snider (IN)**
Reis had about his best game of the year for sure and one of the best of his career. He shot the ball at a high level hitting three triples on three straight touches. He’s a little bit of an awkward fit positionally but if the perimeter jumper can be as effective as today, he’s really got the ability to help as a wing. Athleticism looks a little down following an injury but he just might need more time. Such a quality player that seems to make the right play and can pass it really well. Physically enough that you can use him in different ways.
Game 4: Valparaiso vs. Marion
In a game that proved to be the best of the day, Valparaiso held a slight advantage all game long even with Brandon Newman struggling to hit a jumpshot. Jalen Blackmon led an injured Marion team and put them on his back for quite a while, keeping them within striking distance heading into the fourth quarter. But Brandon Newman continued to miss jump shots and kept picking up fouls. A key tech late in the fourth quarter on Brandon Newman was the nail in the coffin as Jalen Blackmon hit a bunch of free throws to extend the Marion lead and put it out of reach as they won, 60-56.
MVP: #1 Jalen Blackmon – 6’1 PG 2021 – Marion (IN)
**36 points against Valparaiso (IN)**
Jalen was really, really good in this game, showing off all of his skill. He was very good creating space, being physical and using a step-back quite a bit. He finished well around the rim with his right hand and also a nice floater. His mid-range game was very good as he is able to pretty much pull-up anywhere. It looks better than last year and he’s not nearly as wild, taking less deep threes. Playing under more control suits him well. He’s progressed pretty well in the last year and completely took this game over in the second half.