My Takeaways From Boulder City Vs Spring Valley
This game was originally scheduled as part of a multi teamed event. At the last minute, several of the teams dropped out, leaving two local squads as the stand-alone game. I was thoroughly impressed once again by the play of…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis game was originally scheduled as part of a multi teamed event. At the last minute, several of the teams dropped out, leaving two local squads as the stand-alone game. I was thoroughly impressed once again by the play of rising 2021 star Ethan Speaker, as well as the overall athleticism, and depth of Spring Valley. Speaker did everything he could to keep it close, finishing with a game-high 35, however, in the end, the Grizzlies walked away with an 81 – 64 victory. Here are my 5 takeaways from the game.
(1) What Level Prospect Is Matthew Morton?
Morton would make a terrific NAIA or D2 player. At 6’5 he can pass and handle. In the first half of the game, it was Morton keeping BC in the game with timely finishes. He is strong enough, that he should be able to bang with D2 post players if needed. Morton also has a good IQ for the game. He understands help defense concepts and executes fundamentals well. Morton is one of the few high school players that instinctively understands how to block out. He’s going to have to improve the consistency on his jumper, however, he certainly has the ability to play somewhere.
(2) Introducing Frank Bartley
Bartley is a two sports star. He is the quarterback of the football team. On Saturday, Bartley got his Nate Robinson on. He was a tempo changing PG that caused havoc with his perimeter defense and interior scoring. Bartley lived off paint touches, grabbed offensive rebounds, and showed off high-level run and jump athleticism. Never seen him on the football field, but if the show is similar, he is definitely worth taking a trip over to the gridiron.
(3) Spring Valley vs Durango A Must-see matchup.
Both of these teams have quietly put together strong seasons. Durango recently took defending Champ Bishop Gorman to the wire, and Spring Valley has taken home hardware from New Mexico and Arizona tournaments this year. Tons of prospects in this game, including Anthony Hunter, and Kendrick Gilbert for Durango, and Amari James, James Webster for Spring Valley. This is part of a key 3 game stretch for Spring Valley as they will face Durango, Bishop Gorman, and Silverado consecutively.
(4) It’s Fun Watching The Development Of Ethan Speaker.
One of the things I look for in player evaluations is constant development. When I watch players repeatedly, I’m looking to see what new dimensions they’ve added to their games. Ethan Speaker is showing that right now. He has recently added a nice in-between game, using runners and floaters to finish. His handle has also improved, against an extremely quick Spring Valley squad, Speaker was able to bring the ball into the frontcourt and make plays off the dribble. He once again showed off above-average athletic ability, catching a two-hand lob, and throwing down a vicious dunk off one foot.
(5) I Don’t Have Favorites But………..
Mike Martin is certainly at the top of the list. I love unselfish players that do the little things. Martin got the Grizzlies off to a fast start with his offense. He had 14 in the first half. In the second half, the 6’1 forward battled Speaker. Despite giving up size, Martin was able to make life tough for the 6’6 wing. He plays with contagious energy, that permeates throughout the team.