10 Best: Clear Creek-Amana at Grinnell
GRINNELL — Clear Creek-Amana was in control from start to finish on Thursday night, cruising to an impressive 68-55 non-conference win at #8 Grinnell. The Clippers jumped out of the gates quickly, shooting 9-13 from the floor in the first…
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Continue ReadingGRINNELL — Clear Creek-Amana was in control from start to finish on Thursday night, cruising to an impressive 68-55 non-conference win at #8 Grinnell.
The Clippers jumped out of the gates quickly, shooting 9-13 from the floor in the first quarter, building up a 22-10 lead. Grinnell battled back with CCA’s standout big man TJ Bollers on the bench for most of the second quarter, trimming the halftime deficit down to just six. CCA responded in a big way in the second half, opening up a lead as large as 15 and coasting to the win.
It was an impressive win for a Clippers team that we had high expectations for. They brought back four starters from a group that went 11-9 last season, but they had struggled early on. They controlled this game on both ends of the floor, showing a balanced attack that had three in double figures and eight players score in all.
CCA (2-2) was led by Nick O’Connor and Christian Withrow, who each had 13 points. Michael Potter added 10, while Kyle Schrepfer had 9 off the bench. TJ Bollers had 8 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocks in the win for the Clippers.
Grinnell (3-1) was led by Jake Hull, who had a game-high 24 points. AJ Wilkins chipped in 13.
Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | F |
CCA | 22 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 68 |
Grinnell | 10 | 22 | 9 | 14 | 55 |
CCA: Nick O’Connor 13, Christian Withrow 13, Michael Potter 10, Kyle Schrepfer 9, TJ Bollers 8, Brock Reade 7, Tyler Schrepfer 4, Ryan Navara 4
Grinnell: Jake Hull 24, AJ Wilkins 13, Owen Coffman 7, Matayas Durr 6, Cole McGriff 5
MVP: TJ Bollers (CCA)
Best rebounder: Bollers (CCA)
Best defensive performance: Bollers (CCA)
Bollers is a highly coveted defensive end prospect on the gridiron (Wisconsin outside linebackers coach Bobby April was here to watch Bollers), and while that’s what he’ll do at the next level, he’s making a major impact on the hardwood as well, especially on the defensive end of the floor. Must have that defensive mentality in his brain. He blocked four shots within the first quarter of the game, and appeared like he was on his way to double-digit blocks before picking up a second foul early in the second quarter, which caused him to miss most of the remainder of the half. When he went to the bench, Grinnell made their run, closing to within six at the break. His presence in the paint was what changed this game, and his lack of presence is what allowed the Tigers to claw back into it. As soon as he was back on the floor, the Clippers pulled away again. He finished with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocks, but his impact on the game was even greater than those numbers indicate.
Best offensive performance: Jake Hull (Grinnell)
No player benefited more from Bollers getting into foul trouble than Hull, who struggled early against Bollers’ size and athleticism, getting a few shots turned away. When Bollers went to the bench, Hull was able to get to the rim and finish with ease. He wasn’t as efficient as he usually is, going just 7-19 from the floor, but he scored from all three levels, and showed a buttery stroke from the free throw line, going 9-9 at the stripe en route to his 24 points. The 6-3 wing has had some huge scoring outbursts in the spring and summer with Iowa Intensity, and he showcased some of that ability in this one.
Best passer: Christian Withrow (CCA)
Mr. Do-Everything: Withrow (CCA)
Withrow put on a clinic in how to contribute across the board in the Clippers’ win, finishing with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. The 6-2 junior did a great job getting into the paint, getting the defense to collapse and then finding an open teammate for a layup, or an open shooter in the corner for a 3. He always plays under control and sees the floor really well. He’s a stat-sheet stuffer who competes on the glass on both ends of the floor, gets his teammates involved and is a solid scorer with good feet and touch around the rim.
Best bench player: Brock Reade (CCA)
A 6-2 wing who handles the ball well, Reade has good footwork and kind of glides across the floor, moving very well side-to-side with the ball in his hands. A lefty with the ability to score from all three levels, he’s also a solid playmaker who can get his teammates involved. He showed off a nice floater game and finished with 7 points in the win.
The energy guy: Ryan Navara (CCA)
Navara came in off the bench when Bollers went to the bench with two fouls and provided a spark for the Clippers, pulling down a pair of rebounds and recording a tough and-one finish in the paint. In the second half, he took a charge in a key moment when Grinnell was trying to make a run, taking away a bucket.
Best underclassman: Kyle Schrepfer (CCA)
Schrepfer came off the bench to chip in 9 points on 3-5 shooting, knocking down a 3 and making both of his free throw attempts. He moves well off the ball and has a quick release on his jumper.
Best shooter: Nick O’Connor (CCA)
O’Connor finished with 13 points, which tied for the team lead. He made both of his 3-point attempts and was 5-6 from the field overall for the Clippers. He moves well without the ball and is ready to shoot on the catch.