Desert Pines vs Canyon Springs: 10 Best
Desert Pines was coming off an emotional victory 24 hours earlier over Trinity International. They knew they would be tested by their conference rival and they were. Newly offered UCLA recruit Milos Uzan was fresh off 38 the night before.…
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Continue ReadingDesert Pines was coming off an emotional victory 24 hours earlier over Trinity International. They knew they would be tested by their conference rival and they were. Newly offered UCLA recruit Milos Uzan was fresh off 38 the night before. He kept the Jags afloat in the first half. hitting his patent runner and making plays for teammates. Canyon Springs senior Zarius Benson Moore refused to let his squad give in hitting 4 threes in the first half, and the teams went into the locker tied 31 all. The second half was a back and forth affair with both teams exchanging leads. A late Canyon turnover led to a runout and score putting DP up 5. Canyon got a huge And 1 from Alijah Banks to cut the lead to 3. However, Uzan sank 6 consecutive free throws to salt the game away. Overall it was an exciting game and terrific late-season conference action.
On to the best
MVP: Milos Uzan 6’3 PG Desert Pines 2022 (#3PHN 2022)
Uzan was his usual under control self. He gave the Jags a spark early in the game with his scoring, and he closed out the game late by stepping up to the line and sinking clutch shots.
Best offensive performance: Zarius Benson Moore 6’4 SG Canyon Springs 2020 (#30PHN 2020)
ZBM was in a zone. It wasn’t just that he was knocking down 3’s, it was also the fact that the Pioneers needed every one of them. He showed a hair-trigger, and the ability to knock down shots both in catch and shoot action, and when coming off screens. Canyon used him in the corner to space the floor, and also ran him off cross and elevator screening action. He finished with 26 including 7 3’s.
Best defensive performance: Semaj Threats 5’9 PG Desert Pines 2021 (#27PHN 2021)
Threats was a pest all game. In a key sequence, he forced two consecutive 5-second counts. He has tremendously quick feet and a low center of gravity. His ability to slow down Canyon Springs leading scorer Alexander Spaight was key to the Jags defense.
Best Coaching Decision: Going down low to Anthony Swift (featured image)
Going down to Swift changed the complexion of the game. Swift came up with a couple of key buckets late including a one-dribble drive off a high post iso. He’s added a couple moves to his low post game this season including a turn around jumper. What I liked most about his game on Tuesday was that he didn’t settle, instead, he put pressure on the defense with strong, aggressive post moves, and provided several second shot opportunities for the Jags.
Best intangibles: Cimarron Conriquez 6’1 SG Desert Pines 2021 (#43PHN 2021)
Conriquez seemed to always be in the right place at the right time. He came up with several timely rebounds and putbacks for the Jags.
Best Play: Jamir Stephens reverse layup
With under 3 to play Stephens drove from the right baseline and finished with a sweet reverse layup on the opposite side of the basket. His bucket extended the Jags lead to 4, a lead they would never relinquish.
Best Sleeper: Jaylen Foy 6’5 PF Canyon Springs 2022
I’ve seen a bit of Foy on film. He’s a wide body stretch 4 that loves to shoot it. He has a good release and can get his shot off quickly. He also showed a willingness to bang down low and help his team rebound. Perhaps the best praise came from his HC who said of Foy “He doesn’t do anything to hurt us” He has a good IQ, and despite not having his best shooting game, he was able to contribute for the Pioneers. The sophomore finished with 7 points.
Best underclassman: Uzan
It’s safe to say that Uzan will probably be considered the best underclassman on the floor in almost every game he plays this season.
Best Quote: “Show up for every game” Freddie Banks Canyon Springs HC
Best aspect of environment: The Canyon Springs Band
The band was terrific as it gave the game a festive atmosphere. This was one of the first local gyms that felt like a home-court advantage. A lot of that had to do with the performance of the band.