10 Best: Fern Creek (70) @ Ballard (76)
Game Summary This game was a tough one. The referees were calling fouls left and right. A total of 5 players fouled out in this Wednesday night matchup at Ballard High School. The Fern Creek Tigers started out hot and…
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Continue ReadingGame Summary
This game was a tough one. The referees were calling fouls left and right. A total of 5 players fouled out in this Wednesday night matchup at Ballard High School. The Fern Creek Tigers started out hot and led the way after 1 Quarter, 18-12. The Ballard Bruins cut it to 2 points at halftime with Fern Creek still leading, 37-35. The 3rd Quarter was when things began to get really interesting as Fern Creek found themselves in serious foul trouble. After 3 Quarters, Ballard was up 56-48. The 4th Quarter had (guess what?!) MORE fouls. This is where all 5 players had fouled out. Ballard ended up winning their season opener, 76-70.
10 Best: Fern Creek vs Ballard
MVP: Lewis Richards (Ballard)
Senior Lewis Richards had an amazing ability to finish at the rim with his left hand. He hit some big time free throws in crunch time as he ended with 14 points (team-high). His Senior leadership really showed in the 2nd half as he led his team to their first victory of the year.
Play of the Game: Josh Minkins’ Dunk (Ballard)
76-70 W! It felt good to be out there with my boys, this team is special. #RoadToRupp pic.twitter.com/oBhouJVfJp
— Cinco (@JoshMinkinsJr) December 5, 2019
With 4:08 to go in the 4th Quarter, Ballard had the lead 62-57. A costly turnover by the Tigers led to a fast break and wide open two handed dunk by Josh Minkins Jr. The gym erupted as Minkins threw it down. This gave the Bruins the lead, 64-57. Tigers called their last full timeout.
Best Offensive Performance: Zek Montgomery (Fern Creek)
Junior Zek Montgomery has it all. He has great length and athleticism. He led all scorers with 21 points. He did most of his work inside the paint or at the free throw line, but he also drilled a three pointer in the first quarter. His ability to handle the ball at his size is very impressive and that is what makes him a special player. He is going to learn how to guard without fouling as he was one of the five players that fouled out in the game. Only a Junior, so I expect big things for Zek in these next two years.
Best Defensive Perfomance: Darrius Washington (Fern Creek)
Junior Darrius Washington is a big body standing at 6’6″ and 210 lbs. He was very physical down-low. His ability to grab rebounds and block shots were elite. He isn’t just tall, he is strong too. He used his power to box out and grab a plethora of defensive rebounds. He also had some emphatic blocks. Sky is high for Darrius Washington.
Best Guy Off the Bench: Josh Minkins Jr. (Ballard)
Senior Josh Minkins Jr. really stepped up in the 2nd half. Scoring all of his points in the 2nd half with 11 points. He was a major factor in this win over Fern Creek. He displayed excellent offense as he drove in the lane with authority and he was also very active on the offensive glass.
Best Under-the-Radar Performance: Terrence McDaniels (Ballard)
Senior Terrence McDaniels can really shoot the ball as he nailed three 3-pointers. McDaniels ended with 13 points but the threes he made came at really important times in the game. His stroke is pretty and he isn’t scared to shoot the ball if he’s got the open shot.
Best Underclassman: Darien Lewis (Fern Creek)
Sophomore guard Darien Lewis showed out in the 2nd half. In fact, he scored all of Fern Creek’s points in the 3rd Quarter (13 points). He ended the game with 18 points. He has great dribbling skills and knows exactly how to use his body when penetrating in the paint. He hit some big time free throws. The Sophomore isn’t shy at all from the big time moments. Darien Lewis is a kid to keep an eye on.
Best Story to Watch Moving Forward: Rashad Bishop returning for Ballard
Ballard wins their home opener against one of the best teams in the state, Fern Creek. But let’s not forget Ballard’s Senior star, Rashad Bishop is out with a broken wrist. Bishop is currently ranked 13th in the Class of 2020 PrepHoops Kentucky Rankings. I thought the Bruins would struggle without Bishop, but they showed heart and made their case for the best team in the state. Bishop returning will make this Ballard team even better than they already are.
Best Player Comparison: Darien Lewis (Fern Creek) reminds me of Anthony Edwards (University of Georgia)
camp was fun 🙌🏾 @NextUpRecruits pic.twitter.com/qZn6pk6xKM
— darien lewis (@dardarlew) July 2, 2019
Sophomore Darien Lewis reminded me a lot of Anthony Edwards, the freshman guard for the University of Georgia. Not only does he look like him but he plays just like Anthony Edwards as well. His ability to drive and create his own shot. When the game wasn’t going Fern Creek’s way, he was fighting for extra possessions and trying to do everything in his power to score the ball to cut the lead. Both of them are DAWGS and just want to win.
Gifted but Needs More: Jaden Rogers (Fern Creek)
Junior point guard Jaden Rogers has to be the leader for this team in order for them to be successful. Yes, they have stud big men in Zek Montgomery and Darrius Washington, but he is the point guard and has to do a better job in running Fern Creek’s offense. The talent is there for sure. He just needs more work in perfecting it. He ended the game with just 8 points. It is only one game and I am sure he will have plenty of better games than this one. I expect big things for Jaden Rogers and this Fern Creek squad.
Recap:
Overall, great game. Both teams are extremely talented. Two teams that will definitely be on top of the state. I think the referees controlled the game more than people wish they did but it is what it is. The Ballard Bruins get their first win and move to 1-0 of the season. They will face Atherton at home on Friday, December 6th. As for the Fern Creek Tigers, they received their first loss of the year and move to 1-1. They will play their 3rd away game in a row as they take on Waggener on Friday, December 6th.