King Showcase: Lakes vs. Mercer Island Game Notes Plus Photos!
Mercer Island entered into the King Showcase at the ShoWare Center in Kent with a four game winning streak before taking on Lakes High School. Both teams have vastly different playing styles with the Islanders playing a more systematic passing…
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Continue ReadingMercer Island entered into the King Showcase at the ShoWare Center in Kent with a four game winning streak before taking on Lakes High School. Both teams have vastly different playing styles with the Islanders playing a more systematic passing and screening approach to the dribble drive of the Lancers. In the anticipated 3A matchup, Mercer Island locked in defensively and held an athletic Lakes team to a season low 32 points. (48-32 final)
Game Notes:
Mercer Island’s Adam Parker has impressed all season long and did not disappoint in this one. At 6’5, he has good strength and a well-rounded attack on the offensive end that makes him a difficult matchup. He finished the game with a skilled 17 points, scoring off the bounce, getting to the hoop and knocking down three shots from behind the arc. Dominican University will be getting a very good player that should positively impact their program.
Another player that stood out for the Islanders was 2020 6’2 G Nigel Seda. He is quick and crafty with the ball allowing him to push the tempo and make plays in transition. He finished the game with 17 points and knocked down one three ball. He is a good small college prospect and would be a solid player at the right level.
I also have to give a shoutout to 2020 6’5 F Luke Wenzel for Mercer Island who is the official record holder for charges taken in a career at Mercer Island. I believe baseball may be his main sport as a pitcher, but he is tough as nails on the hardwood. Rarely do I see players sprint from the help side on defense to take a full-blown charge. He does it on back to back possessions and is willing to put his body on the line in transition by beating the offensive player to their spot then attempting to take a charge. Players like that do not come around very often, but it is fun to see and obviously frustrating for opponents.
With the win, MI moved to 12-3 on the year and currently leads the KingCo Conference.
Lake’s 2021 6’7 SF Kenzel Massey is starting to show an improved ability to get to the basket, which is the next step in his development. He is a difficult matchup when he is attack mode first, because it can then open up his outside shot that he likes to shoot. He finished with a team high 11 points and was the only Lakes player in double figures.
Kenzel has multiple Division 1 schools that are watching him closely, but he is still seeking his first official offer. Portland State’s coach was on hand and is one of the schools tracking Massey at this time.
With the loss, Lakes fell to 8-6 on the year and followed that up with another loss the next night to Spanaway Lake, placing them at 8-7 overall.
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