5 Takeaways From Durango Vs Spring Valley
Durango and Spring Valley faced off in what was the most intense game I’ve seen all season. Both teams were off to good starts to the season and came into the game extremely confident. The game would have a familiar…
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Continue ReadingDurango and Spring Valley faced off in what was the most intense game I’ve seen all season. Both teams were off to good starts to the season and came into the game extremely confident. The game would have a familiar theme throughout, Durango builds a lead, Spring Valley makes a run. The Trailblazers took a 40 -36 lead into the locker room. In the second half, the lead ballooned to as much as 16. Spring Valley battled back, cutting the lead to 2 late in the game. A cold-blooded corner 3 from Sebastian Mack stretched the lead to 5 and instantly switched momentum. Durango put together stops and made their free throws down the stretch comming away with a hard-fought 74-65 victory. Several talented prospects were on display in the game. Here are my 5 takeaways.
(1) I Don’t Think Anyone Realizes How Good Sebastian Mack Is
I don’t want to be that guy, but I think Sebastian Mack may be underrated. He has stepped on the court since day 1 and made an impact as a freshman. It hasn’t always been pretty, but he’s never lost confidence and he seems to get better every game. I’ve seen him at his worse, and last night I think I saw him at his best. This is the same kid that missed two free throws with a chance to give his team a win earlier in the season. Instead of sulking, Mack has responded by playing some of his best basketball. Last night he showed off his explosive first step, his ability to finish through contact, and some straight-up Mamba Mentality. More about that later.
(2) How Does Mike Martin Score Down Low?
Someone will have to explain this to me. Martin is generously listed at 6’2, yet he manages to dominate down low. He’s not a tremendous leaper or the quickest player. He uses angles, fakes, and toughness to carve out just enough space to get his shot off. It amazes me how many shots he makes over bigs. He finished with 14.
(3) I could watch Keshon Gilbert and Frank Bartley Play Against Each Other Forever.
I love matchups, and this was the most competitive one I’ve witnessed this season. Gilbert delivered the first blow, being his usual unguardable self. In the first half, he got paint touches and made plays for himself and teammates. Bartley responded with a haymaker in the second half, scoring 18. The 6’0 PG went Lou Williams on him, getting to the rim, creating shots off the dribble, and knocking down 3’s. Bartley was in such a zone, that he hit him with the pass fake… reload 3, and even found time to help his rival up after a hard foul. It was behind his energy and effort that the Grizzles made their run. Gilbert got off the mat to sink 4 straight free throws late to seal the victory. It was so much fun to witness these two compete against each other, and even more, fun knowing that 3 more matchups between these two are looming.
(4) Did I Mention The Could Blooded 3?
When I evaluate a player, I like to understand who can make shots when the pressure is at it’s highest. It’s one thing to shoot a 3 when you’re up by 20 in the first half. It becomes a much different shot down by 2 late in a ball game. Durango, after being up by double digits most of the night, looked like they were on the verge of a huge collapse. A Jaydyn Dalton layup with 2:40 to go cut the Trailblazer lead to 2. At this point, the home crowd was at it’s loudest, Spring Valley’s bench was going crazy, and all the momentum was on the Grizzlies side. After breaking the ensuing pressure, Anthony Hunter penetrated and found the freshmen open behind the arc in the corner. With no hesitation or regard for the emotional soul of the crowd, Mack buried a 3 over the outstretched arm of Amari James, who for his part did a terrific job of providing a late closeout. It was the kind of shot that Freshmen in high school simply don’t take, much less make.
(5) What Does Spring Valley Need To Do To Get Over The Hump?
Not much. The Grizzlies have a solid core. Between James Webster, Amari James, and Bartley they can score. Behind Bartley and Martin, they have good toughness and defense. They got 47 out of their 65 points from their big 3. Mike Martin chipped in with 14. If they can limit the turnovers, and provide additional rebounding help for Martin, they’ll be in good shape.