Tuesday’s standouts: Week 5
Tuesday was a loaded schedule of games across the state with league play kicking off as well as some teams finishing up their final out of conference games with a couple of Top-10 matchups as well. There were some solid…
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Continue ReadingTuesday was a loaded schedule of games across the state with league play kicking off as well as some teams finishing up their final out of conference games with a couple of Top-10 matchups as well. There were some solid scoring performances and here we focus on a few that caught my eye.
Jarmell Johnson – George Washington
Maybe, just maybe, Jarmell Johnson has found his rhythm. Some players just flip a switch and everything appears to come easier for them and it appears that is what is happening with the Patriots guard. After putting up 22 points on Monday he set a new career-high of 27 points on the 2ndnight of a back to back and it was unforced and within the flow of the offense. He shot the ball, he got to the rim and finished with either hand and he also showcased some of his elite athleticism which makes him a dangerous player. When he is in a zone and scoring in these ways with the George Washington offense running through him, the Patriots are at their best. Look for him to continue having these big scoring games and continue being one of the higher scorers on the night.
Luke O’Brien – Columbine
Albeit in a loss to No.10 Chaparral, it was a stars against stars matchup that featured two of the state’s brightest players. O’Brien was able to show up for his team and finished with 24 points on the night. His shot was not falling like it typically was and he was challenged in ways that he hasn’t been thus far at the rim but he was still able to navigate at times and find his way against a stingy Chaparral defense. He settled for a few jumpers and then seen that it was not his night shooting the ball so he made sure to use his 6’8 frame. He was also able to come down with 10 boards and put up a fight. I am sure that Columbine rallies after their loss and he uses this game as motivation moving forward.
Axel Henry – Sterling
If you have not gotten out and got the chance to see Axel Henry, make sure you do as this is a player that does not force many shots but always seems to be in the right spots to score. He is a high IQ and crafty guard that breaks teams down with his jumper but also can get inside and make teams pay as well. He has a good understanding of where to be, fills the lanes correctly and is always on the move. Sterling is one of the top teams in 3A with him leading the way and in Sterling’s highest-scoring game in school history, he was able to put up 23 points on the night. He is right at about 20 points a game and also gets others involved and is a solid player that can do it all and that was on display on Tuesday.
Aj Kula – Valor Christian
Valor is a tough team to crack as they have only two losses in state and both of those losses are against Smoky Hill who happens to be in the Top-5. One of those went into overtime at that so this is a team to really watch moving forward as they have a deep bunch. Of that deep bunch, a player that has gotten off to a rocky start but is capable of having big-time games is 6’4 guard AJ Kula who is a two-way defender that finishes well at the rim and is dangerous in the open court. While he has not shot the ball the way that he is used to he finds other ways to affect the game. On Tuesday, it was his night as he finished with a team-high 18 points on 5-8 shooting from the field. He found his jump shot at least for a night going 4-6 from beyond the arc and also got to the free-throw line. He played with such control and was the player of the game. Maybe it starts a rhythm.
Kobe Sanders – Chaparral
I have to save the best for last and what Sanders was able to do on Tuesday against a top-5 team in the state was arguably the best performance of the season thus far. He put up a new school record of 40 points including going for 18 points in the 3rdquarter which opened things up for the Wolverines and essentially won the game. He was able to showcase his silky smooth jump-shot as he hit 3-pointer after 3-pointer in the game and also was able to get inside and do damage as well. Sanders has also made strides as a passer which makes him a bit more dangerous and with games like this, it is easy to see why he is ranked as the top point guard in the entire state.