Games of the week — Best of:
This week will be a bit different as it will not only be the games of the week but also highlight the matchups and battles within those games that stand out. Tuesday Legend vs. Thunder ridge Battle of the: Bigs…
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Continue ReadingThis week will be a bit different as it will not only be the games of the week but also highlight the matchups and battles within those games that stand out.
Tuesday
Legend vs. Thunder ridge
Battle of the: Bigs
If you know anything about this T-Ridge unit it is that they are led by some of the best big men in the state and it will be up to Legend to try and limit some of that load. Legend has sophomore Garrett Siebert down low that is leading the team in rebounding at 4.6 a game and has the size to slow them down, it will also be up to leading scorer Sufyan Elkannan to get inside and bang with the bigs and I expect just that. For T-Ridge it starts and ends with Austin Holt, Bailey Verk, Kevin Sax and Nolan Marold. I expect this to be a game that the Grizzlies find the mismatches and force their will inside. If Legend is able to match this up – expect this to come down to the final shot.
Rock Canyon v. Mountain Vista
Battle of the: Defense
In December these two teams faced off against each other and it was Mountain Vista who were the victors by a score of 46-60. Since then, not much has changed as Mountain Vista is still one of the top teams in the state. For Rock Canyon, they have seemed to have found themselves as well and it is the defense that gets it done for the Jaguars. Ben Grusing had his way the first time these two teams played when he finished with 26 points. I expect Jaylen Eikenburg, Grant Figuero and Jalen Ashley to really try and slow him down this time. Mountain Vista limited Rock Canyon to 10 points under their season average and want to have the same kind of success. Simon May did not have a big game against the Golden Eagles last game so I expect him to get him going this time around. Defense is key.
Wednesday
Mullen v. Smoky Hill
Battle of the: guards
Mullen is a team that can shoot lights out and that is exactly what they will try and do with a team like Smoky Hill that gets up and down the court. Christian Davis is one of the best shooters in the entire state and the matchup with Kenny Foster and Quentin Rock will be a great one. Isaac White has also been showing up in the scoring department and could get things going. As long as they are scoring, it will open things up or Isaac Ondekane who is a nightmare matchup for any team in the state.
On the other end it is Foster, Rock, Jordan Weaver and Jordan Whitaker. This is as dynamic of a backcourt as you will see in the state and when they are all engaged it is tough to get things going against this group. Expect them to push the pace and try and catch the Mustangs out of position. This should be a high scoring game.
Cherry Creek v. Overland
Battle of the: Young guns
With both Cherry Creek and also Overland they are teams that bring it every single night no matter the competition but what really separates these teams are the underclassmen on the team. The future is bright for both schools. For Creek it is Myles Purchase, Julian Hammond III and Sebastian Cole that is leading the pack and will be that way for another couple of years. This guard set is not only one of the best for this year but also next year they might be the best in the state. They push the pace, score in bunches, take pride in their defense and play together and against Overland they will need all to show up if they want to take down one of the top teams in the state.
Overland is also a group that balanced with middle and upperclassmen but they are led by Ike Graham who is at 17.3 points and 11.1 rebounds a game. He is manning the middle and has been causing problems for teams all year long. Hezekiah Swanson has also upped his scoring and been a consistent force this season at 12.9 points and also leading the team in assists at 5.1 assists a game. Both of these players will be asked to do plenty if they want to beat this Cherry Creek team that does not have any quit in them.
Friday
Eagle crest v. Smoky Hill
Battle of the: Week
This is the game of the week for me. These are two teams that can light it up and has the personnel to have go at it shot for shot. Range view is battle tested and when they are on they are on. They are led by Aaron Bokol who is up to 17.9 points a game. The Raiders also have Ty Robinson who is an inside presence and Zion Ruckard who is at point. Thurbile Bile makes things difficult for opposing teams on the glass and they are balanced.
Smoky Hill is a team of progression and look to be ready for a state run. Foster is the likely Mr. Basketball and it is going to take a lot to slow him down from scoring. Rock is a true point guard that runs the unit and keeps everyone satisfied. He is able to finish or shoot it and can be the biggest difference maker in the game. This will come down to whoever takes care of the ball. Less turnovers will most likely win the game as this should be a close one.