What We Learned: Simon Kenton at South Oldham
Two of the Eighth region’s top programs went head to head on Saturday as Simon Kenton made the trip to South Oldham. The result was a high scoring 3 point fest that came down to the wire and ended with…
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Continue ReadingTwo of the Eighth region’s top programs went head to head on Saturday as Simon Kenton made the trip to South Oldham. The result was a high scoring 3 point fest that came down to the wire and ended with a big steal and free throws from one of the state’s top Sophomores. Here are my big takeaway’s from one of the best games I’ve watched so far this season.
- Simon Kenton Sophomore Kelly Niece is an elite finisher. The 6’2 guard has the full layup package. Saturday he was able to get to the rim almost at will and showed the ability to finish with both hands and through contact. Niece didn’t need to take many jump shots on his way to 28 points in the game. Kelly finished at the rim and knocked down a bunch of free throws, including the two that cliched the game.Those free throws came after Niece stole the ball and got fouled in a very high IQ play.
- South Oldham Junior Luke Morrison is an elite shooter. A 6’4 wing, Morrison is off to a tremendous start to his season. Averaging 24 points per game heading into Saturday, Morrison scored a career high 36 points for the Dragons. He did most of his damage from behind the three point line where he is shooting 60% for the year. Luke also showed an ability to take his defender into the post on multiple occasions and was able to get to the rim and finish on three straight possessions late in the game.
- Both teams live and die with the three point shot. After a high scoring first half that included a ton of three point attempts, both teams warmed up for the second half shooting exclusively three pointer in what would normally be a layup line. In the first half, Simon Kenton blitzed South Oldham with a three point barrage. When Simon Kenton finally missed a few in the fourth quarter, South made their run and got it all the way to a two point game more than once.
- South Oldham freshman Ben Michel could be really good in time. Long and showing some skill, the 6’6 freshman played some key minutes for the Dragons late and shows a lot of potential. He’s only averaging 4 points and 2 rebounds on the season but I saw a lot to like in Michel and could see him being a big piece of the puzzle by the end of the season. With a frame that looked nowhere near done growing, Michel could be a big factor in the 8th region next season.
- Both teams are capable of winning the 8th Region. Both of these teams showed enough for me to think they are competitors in the 8th. Where both teams are so heavily perimeter oriented on offense, they could simply outscore a team like Walton-Verona in the regional tournament. Both teams have a chance to ride their outside shooting to a regional title.