10 Best From Durango vs Coronado
In the second game of the doubleheader, Durango took on Coronado in a game dripping with high-level prospects. It turned into an old fashioned shootout between PrephoopsNevada #1 player in the c/o 2021 and 2023. Coronado jumped out to an…
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Continue ReadingIn the second game of the doubleheader, Durango took on Coronado in a game dripping with high-level prospects. It turned into an old fashioned shootout between PrephoopsNevada #1 player in the c/o 2021 and 2023. Coronado jumped out to an early lead behind the shot-making of Jaden Hardy, and the shot-blocking of Jaxon Kohler. At times it looked as if the Cougars might overwhelm Durango as they led by as much as 14 in the first half. In fact, if it wasn’t for the 3 point shooting of freshmen Sebastian Mack, the Blazers may have been out of the game. I remember telling someone at the media table “There is no way he can keep that up”. I was wrong. In the second half, Mack continued his flame-throwing, hitting 3 more trey’s. He would finish with 12 in the half and 27 for the game, as Durango came all the way back to take a 5 point lead. After a Jaden Hardy and 1, the freshmen walked to the line and sank two free throws. Hardy missed a 3 on Coronado’s next possession, and Durango sealed the game at the line. The Trailblazers who won 6 games last season advanced to the Region Finals where they will meet Bishop Gorman.
MVP: Sebastian Mack 6’1 SG Durango 2023 (#1PHN 2023)
Sometimes what’s understood doesn’t need to be said. In a high stakes contest against a long, athletic, talented team, Mack savagely buried cold-blooded after cold-blooded 3’s in pressure situations. It was a big-time performance and it showed why he should be considered one of the top players nationally in the c/o 2023.
Best Offensive Performance: Jaden Hardy 6’5 PG Coronado 2021 (#1PHN 2021)
Jaden Hardy will be drafted in the NBA. I realize I’m not going out on a limb, but I just want that statement to be on the record. He’s simply better than everyone he faces at this level. He has an array of professional basketball moves right now, including the ability to separate in tiny areas, creating just enough space to get his shot off. He’s the best tough shot maker I have seen all year, and his ability to play through bumps and contact is elite. Despite being hounded full court by multiple defenders, facing countless traps and junk defenses, he managed to score a game-high 31.
Best Defensive Performance: Anthony Hunter 5’11 PG Durango 2020 (#6PHN 2020)
Hunter turned in an elite defensive performance. He was the one guy who was able to stay in front of Hardy off drives. He forced two huge offensive fouls and made one of the biggest plays of the game, getting fouled after forcing a steal. His lateral quickness and athletic ability make him very hard to challenge off the drive, and he has quick hands and good timing to disrupt ballhandlers.
Best Intangible: Jaxson Kohler’s size and length
Kohler played well. He gave Durango a lot of problems in the first half with his size and length. He blocked enough shots early that players were looking for him every time they went into the lane. On the offensive end, he was able to play volleyball above the rim, providing his team with extra possessions.
Best play: Everyone of Sebastian Mack‘s 8 Three’s
I talked to Durango head coach Chad Beeton after the game and he made a great point. He told me if Mack doesn’t make those 3’s in the first half they’re probably out of the game. He’s right, Coronado looked like they were getting ready to blow Durango’s doors off before Mack came to the rescue. His shooting simultaneously did two things. It got the Trailblazers on the scoreboard, but it also opened the floor for Hunter and Gilbert. Coronado elected to put Felix Reeves on Mack, and have him deny all over the court. This essentially allowed Durango’s two D1 guards to play 4 on 4.
Best Coaching Decision: Coach Chad Beetons use of multiple defenders on Hardy
Beeton threw an array of defenders at the junior star. Keshon Gilbert started out on him, Elijah Johnson would sub in and harass him for minutes and finally, Anthony Hunter defended him down the stretch. In between all of that, the Blazers picked him up full court and trapped him on every ball screen. To his credit, he never looked frustrated, and he didn’t seem to get tired. However, the strategy did slow him down just enough for Durango to pull out the W.
Sleeper: Kendrick Gilbert 6’5 2020 (#PHN15 2020)
Kendrick Gilbert scores as quietly as any player I can remember. I don’t think they ran one play for him yet he finished with 18. He does this almost every game. He’ll never hurt the team, and he can defend multiple positions. Honestly, he’s the typical case of the undersized guy in high school forced to play inside. If he can get with the right program and translate his game to the wing, someone is going to get a true diamond in the ruff.
Underclassmen: Mack
Duh.
Best Quote: Kendrick Gilbert
“When we defend and play like how we’re supposed to play I feel like there ain’t nobody that can stop us”
Best aspect of the environment: The Talent on the Floor
This was a game that featured 7 sure-fire D1 prospects as well as about 10 scholarship athletes. Each and every one of them were laying it all on the line in an attempt to keep their seasons alive. The speed, athleticism was one thing, but the shot-making ability of these players was amazing. I spoke about Hardy and Mack earlier, but Kohler also made some tough shots down low. The quality of play and talent in this one was fun to watch.