5 Takeaways From SECTA Vs Basic
Southwest Career Tech traveled to take on conference foe Basic Academy Wednesday night. SECTA had been off to one of their better starts, already matching their win total from last season. They were taking on a Basic team that has…
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Continue ReadingSouthwest Career Tech traveled to take on conference foe Basic Academy Wednesday night. SECTA had been off to one of their better starts, already matching their win total from last season. They were taking on a Basic team that has been the surprise of the valley so far. The Wolves entered the game 10-5 and have been lead by a trio of juniors. From the outset, Basic jumped on top using a swarming defense and knocking down the long ball. They took an 11 point lead into the locker room and never relinquished it, cruising to a 79-60 victory. SECTA was led by big man Luis Avila who finished with 25, while the Wolves benefited from a balanced attack including 15 from Jaylen Berry and 10 from John Board. In this article, we feature 5 takeaways from the SECTA V Basic game.
(1) SECTA Has Talent
The Roadrunners have been in the basement of the conference for years. However, this may be coach Ireland’s most talented team. It starts with big man Luis Avila, who is gaining some attention from college coaches including an offer from the College of Southern Nevada. In addition to Avila, Moses Cooper and Jason Hand are quality assets, that have produced all season for the team. The biggest issue the Roadrunners have is that they play in arguably the toughest conference in the state, and wins will definitely be at a premium. Tonight’s game was a perfect example. Basic was picked to finish 4th in the conference, and they already have 11 wins. There will be no easy nights this season for the Roadrunners, however, that shouldn’t deter from the progress they have made.
(2) Jaylen Berry’s Stock May Have Risen Faster Than Any Player In The City.
My job is to identify the top basketball players in the state of Nevada. Until about a month ago I had never heard of Jaylen Berry. After spending his sophomore season playing JV he has burst onto the scene, leading the Wolves in scoring, assist and steals. He has a refreshing humbleness about his game and is starting to get on the radar of several college coaches. Berry also is unique in the fact that he didn’t play AAU last spring and summer, something unheard of in this day and age. If he continues to progress and can carry his production over into the summer, then the sky’s the limit for the junior guard.
(3) How Will Basic Fair Against The Big 3
The 4A Desert Southeast is the toughest conference in the state don’t @ me. Coronado and Liberty both play National schedules and feature some of top prospects in the state. Foothill is the defending conference champion and goes 10 deep. Where does that leave Basic? The Wolves are the epitome of a get it out the mud squad. They hang their hat on teamwork and defense. While it is going to be difficult for them to match up with the big 3, don’t be surprised if they throw a scare into one or two of them.
(4) Is There A Better Defensive Tandom Than The Killer B’s?
I’m starting to think no. Anthony Hunter and Keshon Gilbert at Durango come to mind, however the production is starting to favor Berry and Board. First, there is the versatility, Board and Berry both have the toughness and strength to bang with 2’s and 3’s, and the foot speed to stay in front of ones. They play with a certain mentality and seem to feed off each others, defensive energy. The killer B’s relish the opportunity to defend the opposing team’s best player, and it almost seems as if they fight each other to do so. The pair are both averaging over two steals per game, and their defensive toughness is a big reason why the Wolves have had the success they’ve had.
(5) Jason Hand Is An Underatted Athlete.
If you haven’t seen Jason Hand play, he’s worth checking out. I want to define him as quirky, but that’s only because he doesn’t look to be as good of an athlete as he is. Hand tried a couple of risky dunks in the Basic game, including one that if he threw down would have been a top 10 highlight. He missed all of the attempts so I don’t want to go overboard, but you can see the explosion and the fearlessness in him.