Preview: Juan Diego vs. Herriman
This is a great rematch of last years thriller that had Jael Vaughn hitting a fall away 15 footer at the buzzer to beat then visiting Juan Diego 34-32. A lot of things have changed from last years teams. Juan…
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Continue ReadingThis is a great rematch of last years thriller that had Jael Vaughn hitting a fall away 15 footer at the buzzer to beat then visiting Juan Diego 34-32.
A lot of things have changed from last years teams. Juan Diego graduated it’s two top scorers in Matt Kitzman (Hobart D3) and Jason Ricketts (SFCC) who are both playing college basketball. Herriman has a new Coach in Casey Briggs.
The things that haven’t changed is that Juan Diego is still playing stout defense. Herriman is basically bringing that same team back bigger and better. Juan Diego does have a young team but they seem to be playing well.
Home Court Advantage
Juan Diego has a 33 game home winning streak going. JD usually has a great fan base that comes and supports their team and their student section is one of the better ones in all of 4A. Under Coach Drew Trost the Soaring Eagles have just been lights out at home. The last good road win that Herriman had was a 7 point win against a 7-win Murray team last December 8th.
Players to Watch
Herriman has a handful of players that can go off at any moment. The Mustangs have a lights out shooter in LeGrand Burgess. who is averaging three 3-pointers a game but could go off for more. Point Guard Jael Vaughn is lightning fast with the ball and he has improved his shooting. SF Kase Petersen is skilled around the basket and he runs the floor well. 6’9 Blake Freeland is a load inside as well. The Mustangs get contributions from Alex Anderson and Taylor McCann as well.
Juan Diego is lead by Raimoana Tiniauarii a 6’4 G who plays multiple positions including ball handler. Rai is averaging 20 PPG and has yet to see significant 4th quarter minutes. The Soaring Eagles have a new point guard in 6’0 Talon Valdes who is only a sophomore. Talon rattled of 17 points against Mountain View last week. JD also adds length with Kalthom Kur and Kemari Bailey. The Soaring Eagles have a shooter in Lawson Roe as well who hit four 3-pointers in a win against Mountain View.
What Will Give
Both teams have good coaches and good key players. The bench could be a factor if either teams is in foul trouble. Herriman has the edge of JD in height. We have yet to see who is the better shooting team as it is early in the season. Both teams have wins against teams that will not likely make the playoffs. Herriman a 6A team has a loss against an Orem team that Juan Diego man handled in the playoffs last year. This game could be a defensive battle. Whoever can hit more outside shots will likely have the edge.
Good luck to both teams!