Five Takeaways: Grandview versus Boulder
Grandview took down Boulder in the Round of 32 behind their stifling defense. Grandview looks to have lost big man Caleb McGill in the game which will be a large blow to their chances to repeat but had others step…
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Continue ReadingGrandview took down Boulder in the Round of 32 behind their stifling defense. Grandview looks to have lost big man Caleb McGill in the game which will be a large blow to their chances to repeat but had others step up in his absence. Here are my five takeaways in their playoff game.
Defense turns up
Grandview remains one of the most difficult teams in the state to prepare for and that is because you never know which team you are getting. They are a team that can play to their competitions strength and still pull it out. If you want run and gun fast paced offense you can get that as they have quick guards and mobile big men for that or if you want to slow it down that is what they are made for and will have an advantage doing. No matter what they are a unit that plays together especially on the defensive end. They switch things up with showing zone and man and each guy takes accountability. Against Boulder their defense was on display. The Wolves limited Boulder to just 16 points at the half before putting on their best defense of only allowing six points total in the third quarter altogether. They talk on defense, rotate and have big guys that are able to move their feet on defense and stick with smaller defenders. Grandview has an underrated defense that should get a bit more credit.
Dynamic duo
Grandview was led by both Dayne Prim and Davon Walker in scoring. They both finished with 16 points apiece and remain a dynamic duo. Walker picks you apart with his handle. He can create off of the dribble with great ball handling and penetrates the defense for the kick or finish. For him to be a smaller guard he is a pretty good finisher around the rim that gets to his spots. He also is able to knock down the 3-ball and that is what Grandview needs as they rotate the ball as any team in the state until they get an open shot. He knocked down two 3-pointers and showed what makes him special. Prim gets you inside and is one of the best big men the state has to offer. He has back to the basket, break you down off the dribble and will go dunk it, runs the breaks and finishes and is comfortable down low using his body to get contact and still finish.
What happens to Caleb McGill
McGill appeared to have injured his wrist on what might have been the play of the game. He went and got a block and rebound on the Boulder offensive player but then landed awkwardly which had the big man get up and have to check out of the game. He did not go back and the game and it appears that Grandview will be without their star junior for the foreseeable future. Michael Rogers is a strong advocate of the next man up approach and while it will be difficult, Grandview has the players to still get after it. When he left the game, it was Kenneth Norman who was the beneficiary of those minutes and he put on a show. He is a player that plays with 100% effort and is going to give you all that you have. He fills the lanes correctly as he finished at the rim, he keeps balls alive with his offensive rebounds and is locked in on the defensive end. With McGill set to be out it will be up to guys like Norman, Senior Darrian Leu-pierre, Lian Ramiro and Levi Dombro to pick up the load if they plan on defending the crown.
Moving forward
Grandview is now up against a Rock Canyon team in the Sweet 16 that fits their mold. Both teams are slow it down, defensive minded teams that do not force many shots. Both teams are balanced with big men talent as well as guards that go after it. Grandview lost the last two times these two faced off 37-36. Jaylen Eikenberg finished with 22 points in that game and Grandview will have to try and slow him down again. Grant Figueroa did not have a good game but will surely get going this time and give Prim a challenge inside. Both teams struggled offensively last time so while I expect this to be a higher scoring game than last time out it is still going to be a first to 30 points win type of game. Everyone will have to show up if the Wolves want to advance, especially without a great talent in McGill.
Great way to send seniors off
Boulder just did not have enough against Grandview as they could not get much going offensively. Senior Miller Davidson led with nine points and sophomore Drake Arthur finished with eight points but other than that it was a very inefficient night for the Panthers. They came into the game on a high after a convincing win over George Washington. Boulder had a relatively good season with some pretty big wins over Fairview and Greeley West to close out the season. They played hard and well together and in their loss there was this special moment to send off the seniors the right way on the road.
Standing ovation for @boulderhoops as they fall to defending state champions @GHSWolvesHoops
Good run for Boulder and fell to one of the top teams in the state. pic.twitter.com/9qX7zlQJTk
— Prep Hoops Colorado (@PrepHoopsCO) February 23, 2019