Green Valley vs Basic: 10 Best
Green Valley took on Basic in a Desert Southeast conference matchup. The conference rivals battled in a tough hard-fought defensive struggle. At Halftime, Green Valley led by a score of 19-16. In the second half, it was more of the…
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Continue ReadingGreen Valley took on Basic in a Desert Southeast conference matchup. The conference rivals battled in a tough hard-fought defensive struggle. At Halftime, Green Valley led by a score of 19-16. In the second half, it was more of the same, as the teams battled for control. Green Valley was carried by the hot shooting of Tom Stanley who buried 4 3’s in the game. The turning point of the second half came late in the fourth quarter. Up by 3 and with Green Valley in a zone, Basic coach, Lenard Taylor decided to go into his 4 corners offense burning a crucial two minutes off the game clock. Green Valley cut it to one on a late corner 3, but Basic Junior John Board salted away the game with free throws late.
On to the best
MVP: John Board 6’1 SG Basic 2021 (#22PHN 2021)
Came up big at the line when it counted. Board played both sides of the ball, heading Basic’s suffocating D. He had several spectacular blocks and pressured the Green Valley ballhandlers into mistakes. Made just enough plays late for his team to escape with the victory.
Best offensive performance: Tom Stanley 6’3 SG Green Valley 2020
The sharpshooter knocked down 4 threes on the night. His quick release and shot-making ability provided the Gators with a spark, keeping them in the game all night. In this low scoring defensive affair, he was the one player that had it going.
Best defensive performance: Board
Board played with terrific effort and energy on the defensive end. It wasn’t only his on-ball defense, but also his willingness to scrap and come up with loose balls. Board set the tone for the Wolves’ full-court pressure defense. He harassed, and the times he did get beat, he was able to recover with chase-down blocks.
Best Coaching Decision: Basic’s 4 corners offense
It wasn’t technically four corners, as all they did is have one guy hold the ball out top, however, it was effective. The Wolves took nearly 3 minutes off the clock in a tight contest and sapped all momentum from Green Valley. The Gators were finally forced to come out of their 1-1-3 zone which had slowed Basic down all night.
Best intangibles: Josh Portillio’s 3
Josh Portillo banked in a 3 late in the 3rd. It was a fortunate shot, to say the least. It was also a huge shot as it put the Wolves up 1 as they entered the 4th.
Best Play: Tom Stanley’s 1st half 3
Scoring was at a premium in this game, so Stanley’s late 1st half 3 was huge. The sharpshooter knocked down the 3 off a catch and shoot, allowing GV to take a 3 point lead into halftime.
Best Sleeper: Isaiah James 6’5 SF Basic 2020 (#72PHN 2020)
James is nicknamed “KD”. While that’s not fair to anyone, I see why they make the comparison. James has a slick handle. His favorite move is a quick behind the back COD. He also has an effortless release on his shot. He gets great lift, and can shoot it with range. I don’t consider too many seniors sleepers, but he is definitely an under the radar player, that is worth a look.
Best Underclassmen: Dominic Washington 5’8 PG Green Valley 2022
This game was an upperclassman dominated one. Dominic Washington was the one underclassman that contributed. A scrappy defender, Washington came in and provided ballhandling and perimeter defense for the Gators.
Best Quote: Lenard Taylor HC Basic
“Green Valley played their hearts out. They were the better team tonight. We were fortunate to come out with a win at home”.
Best aspect of environment: Dualing crowds
While Basic was stalling, the fan bases got an opportunity to show their spirit. It started with the Gator fans displaying their traditional Gator Chomp. The Basic student section responded with cheers of their own. Both sides displayed great passion and it highlighted how exciting high school sports can be. (Check out Basic and Green Valley Fans cheering)