Intriguing Prospects: St. Albert 58, Ankeny Christian Academy 56
Adel — This was a wildly entertaining Substate match-up, and ultimately it was the big underdogs who came away with the narrow win over previously unbeaten Ankeny Christian Academy. Falcons senior Jared Gast was the hero in this one. He…
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Continue ReadingAdel — This was a wildly entertaining Substate match-up, and ultimately it was the big underdogs who came away with the narrow win over previously unbeaten Ankeny Christian Academy.
Falcons senior Jared Gast was the hero in this one. He put in a short jumper with under a minute to go to put his team up 55-54. Then, after Eagles big-man Caleb Grizzle canned two clutch free-throws to put ACA back up one with 27 seconds left, Gast was fouled and sent back to the line, his team down one, with 21 ticks left.
Just a 58 percent free-throw shooter this season, Gast calmly hit both free-throws.
ACA could not get off a clean look at the end of the game, and the Falcons — despite coming in with an 11-13 record — came away with the Substate upset. It’s St. Albert’s third appearance at state in the last four seasons. It’s the program’s 14th-ever state tourney appearance.
Jayce Goergen led all scorers in the game with 17 points. Caleb Grizzle finished his illustrious ACA career with 15 points (13 in the second half) and a slew of blocks.
Reed Miller was fantastic for St. Albert, he finished with 15 points. Gast finished with 13 for the Falcons.
FINAL: St. Albert 58, ACA 56 #iahsbkb pic.twitter.com/KVcYp2fp4A
— TJ Rushing (@TjRushing) February 26, 2019
Team Scoring
St. Albert — 16 15 11 14 — 58
ACA — 15 9 19 13 — 56
Individual Scoring
St. Albert: Reed Miller 15, Jared Gast 13, Sam Rallis 12, Ryan Hughes 9, Lance Wright 7, Connor Cerny 2.
ACA: Jayce Goergen 17, Caleb Grizzle 15, Nic Worsham 12, David Nelson 5, Chad Elrod 4, Daniel Lansbrough 2
Intriguing Prospects
Jared Gast, 6’5 PF, 2019 (SA)
He was impressive throughout, but he really shined in the waning moments of the game, where his courage and clutch gene came spilling out of him. The short jumper he took and hit to give his team the lead with under a minute to go was huge. The two free-throws he calmly canned with 21 seconds left could go down in St. Albert lore. His size, toughness and skill help immensely to make St. Albert a well-rounded team.
Sam Rallis, 6’1 G, 2021 (SA)
Just a sophomore , Rallis plays more like a senior. We were shocked to see his was an underclassmen. He’s an athletic and rangy guard, who is big and lengthy enough to do damage in the paint, but also is a capable 3-point shooter. The lengthy lefty guard is the future of St. Albert hoops.
Reed Miller, 6’2 SF, 2019 (SA)
We looked at him and thought he was an undersized post, but when he started letting jumpers fly, we saw he was more of a do-it-all forward. Miller also showcased a clutch gene when he sank two free-throws down the stretch to help keep the Falcons right there with ACA. He can throw some weight around down low and step out to hit a 3-ball, too. A unique player who could be the ace up the sleeve for St. Albert down at Wells Fargo Arena next week.
Lance Wright, 5’8 G, 2020 (SA)
He’s a high-motor guy, who may not be the biggest, but he certainly makes up for it with toughness and heart. He hit a huge 3-pointer in the third quarter, from very deep, that proved to be one of the more critical moments of the game; it thwarted ACA from gathering what may have been devastating momentum. He get down and dirty, and is an emotional leader for this team.
Caleb Grizzle, 6’6 F, 2019 (ACA)
The best player on the floor tonight was Grizzle. He was held to just two points in the first half, but still made his presence felt in a big way by blocking what must have been five shots in the first two quarters. He came alive offensively in the third quarter, and was hitting deep jumpers with regularity. At 6’7 and with his ability to shoot from deep and defend in the paint, he’s certainly an intriguing college prospect.
Jayce Goergen, 5’10 PG, 2019 (ACA)
The engine for ACA, Goergen pieced together a terrific senior season, and he’s a guy who should get a chance at the next level, too. He’s on the smaller side, but when he gets in the open court, it’s like he’s shot out of a cannon. His speed paired with his ability to handle the ball are top-notch. His jumper is there, too.
Nic Worsham, 6’4 G/F, 2020 (ACA)
With Goergen and Grizzle both graduating, it looks like this junior will be the main man for ACA next season. He certainly looks the part of a hoops prospect; a rangy 6’4 wing. He can shoot it and his length and height allow him to finish well at the rim. He cuts well, and seems to have a good understanding of the game. He averaged 6.8 points per game this season, we expect that number to increase significantly next season.