Gonzaga Prep vs. Curtis (5 Takeaways)
Regional playoff basketball is in full swing and Gonzaga Prep vs. Curtis was definitely one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the day. Gonzaga Prep (21-2) entered the game as a 2 seed, while Curtis (19-5) came in at…
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Continue ReadingRegional playoff basketball is in full swing and Gonzaga Prep vs. Curtis was definitely one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the day. Gonzaga Prep (21-2) entered the game as a 2 seed, while Curtis (19-5) came in at number 7. The classic eastern vs. western Washington game was physical right from the start. Gonzaga Prep took a commanding lead mid way through the third quarter and never looked back. G-Prep would eventually go on to win 65-47.
1) Curtis is not going to back down from anyone!
Curtis is well coached under Tim Kelly and they bring a consistent level of intensity that helps them compete with anyone. 2020 6’5 F Jared Franklin went up for the high flying dunk attempt on Anton Watson and although he missed it, it set the tone for Curtis’ energy. They play strong help side defense and are trained to take charges. They wore down as the game went along, but they will learn from this game heading into the state tourney.
2) Anton Watson can make an impact on Gonzaga from day one
2019 6’8 F Anton Watson has all of the tools to be an impact freshman for coach Mark Few at Gonzaga University. He finished with 17 points, double digit rebounds and 6 blocks. He has the strength, explosiveness and natural ability that very few players on the west coast have. He exposes mismatches inside, can push the ball on the break and finish with ease at the rim. He is a very strong rebounder and does a good job of chinning the ball on every board. He’s an unselfish star, simply put.
3) Gonzaga Prep REALLY moves without the ball
I have been to countless basketball games this season and I have not seen a team move as much without the ball as Gonzaga Prep. There were many possessions where all five players were in constant movement for 30 seconds before getting a shot off. They really made Curtis work on and off the ball defensively. In a day and age of isolation and ball screen offense, it was really refreshing to see. They got good looks on every possession where all five players were moving. They also cut with a purpose. They did not jog to their spots. Every cut was hard and with the purpose of getting open on the perimeter or getting open by the basket.
4) Anton Watson gets all of the publicity, but…
Gonzaga Prep has multiple players that can really impact the game in a variety of ways! 2020 6’5 SG Liam Lloyd had good length and can push the ball in transition. He currently holds multiple Division 1 offers. 2019 6’3 G Carter Sonnerborn made plays in the paint and plays extremely tough defense. 2019s Noah Drynan and Jacob Parola can really pressure the ball on defense and make outside shots as well, freeing up Anton in the post.
5) Liam Lloyd really did a good job of guarding Curtis’ leading scorer
2019 6’4 SG Zack Paulsen is an explosive scorer for Curtis, easily capable of scoring 20-30 plus points. Gonzaga Prep’s Liam Lloyd really played a physical game on the Seattle Pacific signee when they were matched up. Paulsen ended with 17, but it was hard-earned. It was a fun matchup to see, as both players are skilled and tough. 2019 6’1 G Sheadon Byrd also did an outstanding job defensively for G-Prep.