Ten Best: Purcell Marian at Wyoming
Purcell Marian — from the preparation to the effort and everything in between — defended for 32 minutes about as well as a team can last night in their 58-40 win over Wyoming. The win moved Purcell to 10-2, extending…
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Continue ReadingPurcell Marian — from the preparation to the effort and everything in between — defended for 32 minutes about as well as a team can last night in their 58-40 win over Wyoming.
The win moved Purcell to 10-2, extending their winning streak to double-digits. We’ll have more on them later, but, as a teaser, they came into the game ranked no. 3 in our Division III Power Rankings and even that might be too low.
Meanwhile, this was Wyoming’s first loss of the season in ten games. Evan Prater dealt with foul trouble early. Joey Edmonds, too, battled a tweaked ankle after a missed layup attempt in the third quarter. It wasn’t their night, but Purcell deserves the credit for their troubles.
And now, our Ten Best:
MVP: Javonta Lyons (2019), 6’1” G, Purcell Marian
stats: 18 points, 5 rebounds
We don’t have the shooting numbers in front of us, but we’re pretty sure Lyons didn’t miss a single shot outside of a desperation 3-pointer at the end of a quarter. The power guard — who is built with a wide body, strong legs, and light feet — was wildly efficient around the basket. Makes quick moves that utilize his strength. Crafty and patient with pump fakes and footwork. Soft touch. Also defended well on the perimeter and slid in to take two charges on help-side defense.
Top Purcell Marian Prospect: AJ Garrett (2019), 6’6” F
stats: 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks
Garrett’s raw athleticism is a game-changer around the rim on both ends of the floor. He struggled to finish contested shots in the first half but came out swinging with 10 second half points. Rebounds and scores with verticality. Thin build. Good at rising for a floater about six feet from the basket. Weak-side shot blocker. Fluid athlete. Stays active in passing lanes with quickness and length.
Top Wyoming Prospect: Evan Prater (2020), 6’5” W/F
stats: 18 points, 4 rebounds
Purcell locked down overall but had no answer for Prater in the second half. Once he aggressively sought out his own shot, Prater’s craft and athleticism around the basket was incredible. Able to change directions and counter whatever position the defender is in. Exceptional spin move and ability to finish from low angles. Prater also made plays by lasering passes to the opposite wing and corner on the drive. Good communicator at the back end of a defense.
Defensive MVP: Clarke Jefferson (2019), 6’1” G, Purcell Marian
stats: 5 points
Jefferson limited one of the top point guards in the state, Joey Edmonds, to three points in last night’s game. The senior guard’s energy and lateral quickness at the point of attack can ware opponents out. Played a lot of minutes and never let up defensively. Sound defensive fundamentals. Great body language. Also hit a couple jumpers.
Top Underclassman: Isaiah Walker (2021), 6’4” W, Wyoming
stats: 15 points, 4 rebounds
Walker, the no. 26 ranked sophomore in Ohio, showed the progressions we were hoping for in terms of fluidity and athleticism. Walker is both better at changing direction and exploding to the rim. He also splashed a couple 3-pointers, despite a bit of a lower release. Against the press, Walker looked to leak out for transition layups or find open jumpers. Rebounds in traffic. The beneficiary of a lot of open floor opportunities for Wyoming.
Underrated Performance: Bryan Warah (2019), 6’6” F, Purcell Marian
stats: 7 points, 6 rebounds
Warah, a high-academic kid, is often the forgotten recruit when people talk about Purcell’s senior class. Yet, he’s entirely reliable in terms of effort and rebounding ability. Chiseled and growing frame. He should defend post players at the next level and has the strength to do so. Was called for a couple travels, but he’s come a long way in terms of finishing and post moves skill — could see that becoming an asset later in college career.
Biggest Takeaway: Purcell has the pieces to contend for a State Championship
We certainly haven’t seen a more complete and well-coached team at the Division III level. Keep in mind, we’ve watched Harvest Prep, Deer Park, and Lutheran East, too.
Purcell’s talent fits together, they play for each other, and their defense is simply a handful. Heck, they just beat Wyoming by 18 points and senior guard Alex Dotson hardly played because of foul trouble. In games when they can’t simply overmatch teams athletically, they also have reliable scoring options around the rim who are all strong interior passers.
Also…
Alex Dotson (2019), 6’4” G, Purcell Marian
stats: 6 points, 3 rebounds
Dotson was off to a hot start with six first quarter points. Then, foul trouble ensued, and he hardly played the rest of the way. He’s their primary ball-handler, but defends wings and forwards — speaks to his versatility. Patient ball-handler who uses height to see the floor. Excellent rebounder for a guard.
Joey Edmonds (2019), 5’11” PG, Wyoming
stats: 3 points, 4 assists
As mentioned, Edmonds didn’t have a good night by his standards. Struggled to convert baskets and dealt with an ankle to finish the game. Edmonds is notably more filled out up top, though. Nothing to worry about here, just not his best night.
Jared Baldock (2020), 5’10” G, Purcell Marian
stats: 5 points
Baldock certainly doesn’t lack confidence as a scorer. The kid is unafraid to launch 3-pointers from NBA range (not an exaggeration). Shoots it with a lot of arch and is comfortable doing so off the dribble. Unassuming athlete but he moves his feet very well on defense and competes.