Five Points of Emphasis: CDH 86 EP 78
The Cretin-Derham Hall 86-78 win over Eden Prairie last night ranks with one of the more entertaining games of the season. Big time plays, team basketball, a scary injury, buzzer beater, tempers lost and then collected in hugs, this game…
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Continue ReadingThe Cretin-Derham Hall 86-78 win over Eden Prairie last night ranks with one of the more entertaining games of the season. Big time plays, team basketball, a scary injury, buzzer beater, tempers lost and then collected in hugs, this game had everything.
Best Wishes Jaeden King. The type of injury and such is the business of the family until they want to make things public. But the Raider senior was down on the ground for a long period of time just as the second half started until King was taken to a medical facility. We wish Jaeden the best in his recovery. Thoughts are with you. Get well soon.
Tre Holloman is a Hooper’s Hooper. High school basketball players that shoulder a big amount of responsibility in playmaking with few breaks have a hard time making extra effort plays at all times. It’s nearly impossible for the human body to sprint, jump, sprint, shuffle at full speed, sprint, jump, and dive that much without needing additional rest to what is given. Therefore, when I see a player like Tre Holloman make extra effort plays it’s something that really catches the eye.
For example, a long board brought four bodies together but it was Tre who smacked the ball not only away from others but the ball was led to a teammate for a score. Or the several times that Tre was defending Drake Dobbs and Drake would basket cut and then sprint to the arc, Holloman made sure he didn’t get face cut and stood deep in a stance to quickly turn his body with Dobbs. And I loved how engaged Holloman was with his teammates. Constant direction, applause, and acknowledgement. It’s what a leader does. And oh yes, Trejuan 24 points and 7 assists shooting 6 of 11 from the field and making 9 of 10 foul shots. He also held Drake Dobbs to under .500 percent shooting and these days that’s something to be happy about.
The Injuries. There was a lot of talk about Eden Prairie playing with CDH despite injuries to Austin Andrews and John Henry (who was sick). David Flom and his team will never let you use that as an excuse. Also, not only did King play only 40 percent of the game but when he was playing he was also sick. And Karsten Broadley is out for CDH as well. It was an even playing field.
Nothing Bland About his Game. Eden Prairie 6-foot-6/6-foot-7 frontcourt junior Ariel Bland had one of his best games since moving back to Minnesota. Bland has arms and legs extending from the left block to the right which led to constant second chances (12 boards in all) and several shots swatted (five). Bland runs well for his size blazing past other forwards with his long strides and his second jump also helped build that double-double (scored 17 points on 6 of 15 shooting). A bit raw still but definitely a prospect to keep an eye on.
The EP Junior Starting Five of Bland, Andrews, Henry, Drake Dobbs, and Connor Christensen has hurt by injuries but the talented Eagles are still holding up their end of the deal. Dobbs knocked out five threes and scored 26 points on 10 of 22 shooting. I think Connor was extremely good last night. He was able to guard King for a half holding him to just a pair of makes and when Connor attempted to score he most often did. Connor scored on 8 of 10 field goals for his 17 points. Add in five boards and five assists and it was a good showing. Junior Brenden Donohue hit a buzzer beating three at the end of regulation to send the game to OT.
Curtis Picks up the Slack. With CDH needing a player to pick up some of the production that Jaeden King wasn’t able to give because of the injury, junior Curtis Jones looked at his 13.7 points per game average, and doubled it. Jones hit his usual share of threes but also was gold from the foul line down the stretch making 12 of 13 free throws. Add in chasing down eight boards and it was a big night for the Raider junior. A special mention also goes to junior 6-foot-4 Will Burke who set great screens and did his part with 13 points and 6 boards.