Five Takeaways: Mead versus Skyline
In what figures to be a much-improved 4A Tri-Valley League this season, both Mead and Skyline intend to be major factors in determining the conference championship. When the two teams met up on Tuesday night, both teams got up and…
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Continue ReadingIn what figures to be a much-improved 4A Tri-Valley League this season, both Mead and Skyline intend to be major factors in determining the conference championship. When the two teams met up on Tuesday night, both teams got up and down the floor throughout an entertaining rivalry contest. Let’s take a look at a few things that stood out while the Mavericks and Falcons put on a show.
Mead can flat-out shoot the basketball
Both teams played with excellent energy and intent on Tuesday night. Both teams shot the ball well, combining to shoot 46 percent from the field. But the difference in the teams’ 3-point shooting was a major factor in creating the margin between the two clubs, as Mead hit 48 percent of its shots (and the Mavs took many) from behind the 3-point arc while Skyline made just 23 percent of its long balls.
The Mavericks, who sank 13 long balls on Tuesday, had four players – Nick Jacobs (2 for 4), Will Maher (4 for 8), Trey Ward (2 for 4) and Caleb Ayers (5 for 8) – who shot 50 percent or better from long range. Skyline’s Austin Robison, a 6-foot-8 tweener and football standout with big-time potential in multiple sports, made three of his seven long-range attempts.
“We felt like we played them real tight for most of the game,” Skyline head coach Tyler Cerveny said. “But they just have so many weapons and they shot the ball so well. If we make three more and they make three less, it stays a closer game. But that just didn’t happen and it was their night.”
Skyline’s Austin Robison and Gage Robertson shined
Even in a losing effort, Skyline’s leading tandem of juniors Gage Robertson and Austin Robison did more than hold their own against a long and athletic Mead defense. Combined, Robison (7 for 16) and Robertson (8 for 13) shot 52 percent from the field, scored 38 points, had 13 rebounds and turned the ball over just twice.
Robison’s 2018-19 stat line – 14.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, .52 FG%, .47 3P%.
Robertson’s 2018-19 stat line – 14.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.9 spg, .49 FG%.
Mead has enviable length and athleticism
The Mavericks, who have now won six straight games, entered this season ranked No. 6 in 4A and with seven returning players with varsity experience. They also intended to eventually become a team that relies on its defense to spark its offense, which was a well-informed plan considering the Mead roster features nine players that are 6-foot-1 or taller. The Mavericks’ length bothered Skyline all night and will likely have the same effect on each opponent they face moving forward.
Mead waiting on David Wilhelm’s return from injury
Mavericks senior David Wilhelm has only played in three games this season due to injury. The 6-foot-4 senior wing is a crucial piece of the Mavericks’ plan and was averaging 6.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assist per game through a difficult early portion of the Mavericks’ schedule before getting hurt.
“He’s been a starter for us and he’ll have an impact for us this season,” Mead head coach Darin Reese said. “For this group, it’s a process. David will be back in a couple of weeks and that will help us get better.”
Mead’s Caleb Ayers might be worth a late look
For any team looking to add a talented shooter, Mead senior Caleb Ayers might be a player to check in on. In Tuesday’s game, Ayers hit five of his eight 3-point attempts and scored 17 points. The Mavericks guard is lanky and lean at 6-foot-3, and would like have to bulk up a bit to hold his own at the next level, but has a feel for shooting the long ball and a competitive nature that is worth a look.