10 Best: Blackfoot at Highland
Last night Blackfoot traveled to Pocatello to take on the Rams. Highland got off to a quick start with senior guard Andrew VanSickle (2019) getting a steal right after the opening tip and taking it in for a layup. Highland…
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Continue ReadingLast night Blackfoot traveled to Pocatello to take on the Rams. Highland got off to a quick start with senior guard Andrew VanSickle (2019) getting a steal right after the opening tip and taking it in for a layup. Highland never backed off the pressure the rest of the night. Blackfoot had runs where they would gain some ground on the Rams, but Blackfoot never could quite close the gap. In the end Highland ended up winning the game 51-39.
MVP- Kobe Tracy (2019) Highland
Tracy (2019) provided sparks for Highland a couple times through the night to help carry them to victory. At 6’4″ Tracy (2019) is very athletic and has the ability to play inside the paint and also hit from outside.
Best Offensive Performance- Reece Robinson (2020) Blackfoot
Despite coming up on the losing end of the game, Robinson (2020) was the main reason Blackfoot stayed close. Robinson (2020) finished the game with 12 points. He was able to score from outside as well as off of drives to the basket. His best offensive play came as the first half ended. With 20 sec remaining he was able to drive in and get a layup and then steal the inbound pass and score another layup providing Blackfoot with some momentum going into halftime.
Play of the Game- Kobe Tracy (2020) Highland
About halfway through the second quarter Tracy (2020) hit back to back 3 pointers and then blocked the shot by a Blackfoot player who attempted to lay it up on the other end.
Best Defensive Performance- Andrew VanSikle (2019) Highland
In the first 5 seconds of the game VanSikle (2019) stole the ball from a Blackfoot player at half court and went and scored. He and his teammates high pressure man to man defense, that they played from beginning to end, was the key to Highland beating Blackfoot. VanSikle (2019) never let up the whole night in pressuring Blackfoot’s guards and initiating traps whenever possible.
Best Guy off the Bench- Ryan Shreve (2020) Highland
At 6’6” Shreve (2020) adds a lot of size when he enters the game. Shreve (2020) was able to come off the bench and contribute both by scoring 4 points and helping control the boards both on the offensive and defensive end.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance- Cedar Wasuakie (2020) Highland
At 6’2” Wasuakie (2020) is a hard match up for opposing teams. He is strong and able to score inside with his back to the basket. He is also a good rebounder. He understands how to get good position and high point the ball. Wasuakie (2020) ended the night with 10 points. He is going to continue to be a big help to Highland.
Best Intangibles- Jayden Wistisen (2020) Blackfoot
He is scrappy and not afraid to get on the floor for a loose ball. Wistisen (2020) works hard on both ends of the court. Late in the 4th qt Highland stole the ball and was headed for a layup when Wistisen (2020) came from behind and blocked the shot. Then was able to score on the ensuing offensive possession.
Best Underclassmen- Easton Durham (2021) Highland
Durham (2021) came in off the bench and gave Highland some good quality minutes. He was able to keep the pressure on Blackfoot’s guards and get some good rebounds.
Best Coaching Strategy- Highlands pressure man to man
Highland’s decision to pressure Blackfoot and their ability to execute it was key to them winning. Blackfoot has quick guards who can handle the ball, but Highland was very disinclined at hedging the screens and turning that into traps. They never gave Blackfoot an easy possession.
Best Aspect of the Environment- Crowd
Since Blackfoot relatively close to Highland both teams were well represented. Highland had a large student section that was energetic and lively. Blackfoot had the whole section behind their bench filled with fans. It made for a fun game with lots of energy.