Impressive Performances from Boys Metro Holiday Tournament: First Round Morning Games
The Boys Metro Holiday Tournament is underway and the first game of the day was 4 seed Bellevue West versus 13 seed Omaha Benson. After a slow start from Bellevue West, the thunderbirds were able to fight back for a…
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Continue ReadingThe Boys Metro Holiday Tournament is underway and the first game of the day was 4 seed Bellevue West versus 13 seed Omaha Benson. After a slow start from Bellevue West, the thunderbirds were able to fight back for a 67-57 win. The second game of the morning was 5 seed Creighton Prep versus 12 seed Gretna. Creighton Prep came out hot and gave Gretna problem with their full court Press. The Bluejays topped the Dragons, 65-48. Here are the 9 players that impressed from the morning slate of games.
Chucky Hepburn – 6’1 Point Guard – Class of 2021
After missing a few games with a concussion, Chucky Hepburn was back on the court looking like himself and leading the Thunderbirds to a late comeback win. Early in the game, Chucky was getting shots to fall; hitting a smooth step back jumper and making the defense pay by knocking down threes when they went under ball-screens. In the second half, he sped the game up by making ball handlers uncomfortable and forcing turnovers that let him and his teammates get out in transitions. In the open floor, Chucky made pretty touch passes and attacked the rim hunting for contact. Bellevue West is a different team with Hepburn on the court and they are glad to have him back.
John Shanklin – 6’8 Power Forward/Center – Class of 2020
John Shanklin was a defensive force on the interior. He swatted away several shots and cleaned the defensive glass. Benson worked to pull Shanklin away from the hoop with ball screens, but he held his own and forced a turnover near half court. John’s offensive highlight of the night was a drop step two handed dunk off a strong post up.
Fidler Brothers
The sibling duo of Louis Fidler – 6’4 Forward – Class of 2020 and Frankie Fidler – 6’6 Forward – Class of 2021, had a similar and impactful game in the first round. Both Fidlers used their length to covert put backs and stretch the floor with three point shooting. Louis missed a couple makeable layups, but his ability to get to the rim off the dribble and score on the fast break is great for a player of his size. Frankie lived on the offensive glass and helped his team with multiple second chance points.
Denim Johnson – 6’1 Guard – Class of 2021
Denim Johnson helped get Benson off to a hot start, scoring most of his 13 points in the first quarter. He also played solid defense on Chucky Hepburn and made him work hard to score in the half court. Johnson is a good distributor and takes care of the ball, but he needs to be more aggressive creating for himself, even if it means a couple bad shots a game.
Anthony Ignoswski – 6’3 Guard – Class of 2020
Anthony Ignowski had a knack for beating the buzzer against Bellevue West. He capped of the Bunnies impressive first half with a fast break dunk and attacked the rim for an and-one finish as time expired in the 3rd. He finished the game 14 points and hit 2 three-point shots.
Spencer Schomers – 6’5 Guard/Forward – Class of 2020
Spencer Schomers put on a show in the second game of the day. Gretna came out in a zone and Schomers made them pay. He was lights out from deep, knocking in 5 threes in the first half and added a 6th in the second half. Schomers had the highlight of the morning when exploded to the rim for a baseline two-handed jam.
AJ Rollins – 6’6 Forward – Class of 2021
A couple years from now, AJ Rollins will likely be lacing up his cleats on Saturday instead of his basketball shoes. But this Saturday, he was on the hardwood at the Ralston Arena bringing it to the Gretna Dragons. Rollins is big, strong, and agile. He out muscles players for rebounds and second chance opportunities. He can also run the floor in transition and finish at the rim.
Clay Frost – 6’0 Point Guard – Class of 2020
Clay Frost is a skilled ball handler and floor general. He handles pressure well and can create space with stop and go moves. It wasn’t his best shooting performance from deep, going 2/9 from three, but the shot looked good whenever it went up. Clay did a good job of attacking the rim against Creighton Prep, being patient, staying on balance, and finishing when defenders flew by.