Archbishop Riordan and Dublin hooked up for the 3rd of 4 games on Friday night in Gridley, in a semifinal contest that had me more surprised than at any time during the whole tournament. This game was a potential showdown of an Open Semifinal Playoff game later in the season. Dublin gets off to a good start with their up and down style of play, while Riordan’s top scorer Bryce Monroe was still trying to get untracked. 20-9 after one quarter. Dublin’s Jaden Saunder had the hot hand in the second to put Dublin up 44-24 going into halftime. Riordan came out with Intensity, lead by Jelani’ Clark and was able to cut the lead to 10 by the end of the qtr. Riordan did improve it’s overall play, but Dublin would continue to control the game. Dublin would go on to win 71-59. Top Prospects for this game.
MVP Anthony Roy 6’4 2020 guard/forward Dublin.
Roy’s recruitment should start to gather some momentum after his steady performance in the early season. He’s been a leader and has showed an improvement in his ability to knock down shots. He has good movement, and works within the flow of the offense to get his shot off. The lefty has good shooting form, and can hit the mid-range and the 3. 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and a block.
Best Offensive Performance: Jaden Saunders 5’9 2020 guard Dublin.
Saunders helped put Dublin up by 20 in the first half with his play. The underrated guard was on fire from the outside knocking down 3 pointers from all over the place, he had 3, but It seemed like 5 or 6. He’s a good shooter and can handle an offense. He’ll will be be a key contributor to the success of this team. 19 points, 3 assists, 1 key steal.
Best Defender: Je’Lani Clark 6’3 2020 Riordan (Nevada)
Clark led the 2nd half comeback. He’s an absolute big time defender when he gets locked in. He can can guard the fast and speedy point guards or the big shooting guard. If he comes out with a defensive mindset his teammates will respond. 14 points, 4 rebounds.
Best Off The Bench: Chan Ngot, 6’8 2020 Riordan
Riordan has prospects on the bench fighting for playing time. Gnot got his chance in this game, he was very active and aggressive, picking up full court, with his long reach made passing more difficult. He was trying to block everything. In limited action he grabbed 5 rebounds changed shots, and had a block.
Best Intangibles: Dominic Wilson 6’4 2020 Riordan
At 6’4 Wilson is kind of the glue guy for this team, always working the boards on both ends, he had some nice put backs. He guards players tight and aggressive, and helps in the passing lanes. Talks a lot on defense. 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 5/5 from Free Throw line.
Best Under The Radar Players: Devon Jackson 6’1 2020 Dublin
With Roy and Saunders knocking down shots, Jackson has the athletic ability, and more space to create his own scoring opportunities. He’s got an explosive first step that gets him to the rim. He’s a good slasher, and capable of knocking down a 3 pointer. 13 points, 4 assists, 3 steals.
Malik Jackson 6’4 2020 Dublin. Like the other Jackson you don’t notice him until it’s too late. He’s a good attacker from the wings, his speed and handles can get him to the rim. He too can shoot from 3. 12 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds.
Best Underclassmen: Mor Seck 7’1 2022 Center
At 7’1 you have to notice Sec on the court. He’s still developing his overall game, but his raw instincts can’t go unnoticed. He has immediate impact on the game. He’s a rim protector, he’ll block and change shots, he’s a jumper. His offensive skills needs some polishing along with his footwork, but if you throw it towards the rim he’ll go after it. Major Recruit. 4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks.
What I’m Looking For Going Forward: Lee Hubbard III 6’1 2021 Guard Riordan
Hubbard III could be the one here. His responsibility is to make sure all cylinders are working according to the plan, get the team into it’s half court set, feed the DI guards, make sure Sec is in good position to be effective on offense, find other guys when open and still be confident and aggressive enough to convert his own scoring opportunities. Stay focused.
