10 Best From Faith Lutheran Vs Palo Verde
Faith Lutheran and Palo Verde faced off in our Twitter poll game of the night. It was an easy choice as the two 4A Mountain leaders faced off with 1st place at stake. Palo came into the game winners of…
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Continue ReadingFaith Lutheran and Palo Verde faced off in our Twitter poll game of the night. It was an easy choice as the two 4A Mountain leaders faced off with 1st place at stake. Palo came into the game winners of 8 straight. While Faith was looking to send the conference into a three-game tie. With the conference rivals being so familiar with each other, it came as no surprise that defense ruled the first half. In the second half, Ethan Marcus turned the Panthers gym into a shooting gallery. He sprayed 5 threes, helping Palo erase the halftime deficit. They would eventually take a 4 point lead with a minute to play. After a free throw and jumper by Azavier Johnson the lead was down to just 1 with 20 seconds to go. Kade Madsen drove to the rim on the next possession drawing a foul. He would split two free throws. On Faith’s next possession Connor Peterson came up with what looked to be the game-winning block, however after the ball landed in Antonio Maillaro’s hands, he attempted to pass ahead to Harlan Nichols. The ball appeared to deflect off the foot of Coleman Lemke, landing out of bounds, but, the referee called it off Palo, giving Faith one more opportunity. After calling a timeout, coach Walter designed a play for junior Jason Sims. “He goes to the rack for us the best probably” He missed a couple during the game, but I had confidence in him to go make that play” – Bret Walters HC Faith Lutheran. The play was to put Sims in high screen action with Coleman Lemke, who up to this point had made 3 3’s in the game. After getting the screen, Sims drove to his right finishing over multiple Palo defenders, getting fouled in the process. After two free throws by Johnson, the Panthers had one more chance, however, their full-court pass was intercepted by Jackson Williams and the Crusaders hung on for the victory.
Now on to the best…
MVP: Azavier Johnson 6’4 SG Faith Lutheran 2021 (#11PHN 2021)
Coaches need to start taking a long hard look at AZ. I’m not saying he’s Daishen Nix, but he has a similar game. This was not Johnson’s best game, he got off to a slow start, and missed a couple of late free throws. However, he showed a willingness to take and make the big shot. He finished with 14 in the second half, including two in a row from the line to seal the game.
Best offensive performance: Ethan Marcus 5’9 PG Palo Verde 2020
Ethan Marcus is going on my all showtime team. Lights come on, he goes off. Marcus was brilliant in the second half, burring 5 3’s. He scored 19 overall and assisted on several others. Gritty effort as he helped Palo overcome a 6 point 4th quarter deficit.
Best defensive performance: Kade Madsen 6’2 SG Palo Verde 2020 (#18PHN 2020)
I thought Madsen did a good job especially in the first half of making it tough on Johnson. Although he was giving up some size, he was able to wall up and prevent being overpowered on his drives. When Johnson did raise up to shoot, he did a good job of getting a late hand up. He was a big part of holding him to 5.
Best coaching decisions: Faith Lutheran Switching from Zone to Man
Down 4 late coach Walters was forced to switch out of the zone they had been using most of the night. This seemed to speed Palo up just enough to give FL a chance.
Intangible: Faith Lutherans Potential
The Crusaders are going to be a trendy pick next season. They will be returning Max Heinz, Jackson Williams, Coleman Lemke, and AZ. They are already putting together a terrific junior campaign. With the experience they’re getting and the chemistry this team plays with, the future is extremely bright.
Best Play: Jason Sims 6’1 PG Faith Lutheran 2021 (#59 2021) (featured image)
Easy decision here, Sims converts the and 1 for the game-winner.
Sleeper: Coleman Lemke 6’7 SF Faith Lutheran 2021 (#24PHN 2021)
Lemke continues to show flashes of his potential. At least once a game, he does something that makes you realize why he’s such an intriguing prospect. Honestly, he may be only one more growth spurt away from being a D1 prospect anyway. He shot it well today, and when that happens he tends to play with a lot more confidence. His combination of skill, fluidity, and size make him a player to keep on your radar.
Underclassmen: None
Seniors and Juniors only in this one.
Quote: Bret Walter Faith Lutheran
“Jason went and made a great play “
Best Aspect Of Environment: The Palo Verde Student Section
These guys raise the bar on student section fandom. They are almost as much a part of the game as the players. They’re loud, they stand and they bring signs. They do their homework as well, as they usually know not only the names but a thing or two about the opposing team’s best players. They really provide Palo with a home-court advantage.