10 Best From Silverado vs Spring Valley
Silverado must be a glutton for punishment. On back to back nights, the Skyhawks played the role of visitors in emotional senior night games. On this night against the backdrop of a senior-laden Spring Valley squad’s emotional senior night, Silverado…
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Continue ReadingSilverado must be a glutton for punishment. On back to back nights, the Skyhawks played the role of visitors in emotional senior night games. On this night against the backdrop of a senior-laden Spring Valley squad’s emotional senior night, Silverado battled tooth and nail. This contest never saw much separation as the teams traded leads throughout. In the 1st half, the Skyhawks received tremendous play from freshmen Jordan Morency, and their own senior Martel Williams. Spring Valley was lead by Mike Martin who was his usual Pit Bull self. He had 11 in the first half as the Grizzlies took a 1 point lead into the locker room. The second half was more of the same as the teams traded back and forth blows. In one 4 possession sequence, each team traded a pair of buckets. The game came down to the last play as Martin drove into the lane and found Frank Bartley for the game-winning basket.
On to the best.
MVP: James Webster (featured image)
His heart, determination, and effort in the second half were huge. He had several big-time offensive rebounds and putbacks late in the game. Webster finished with a game-high 19 points.
Best offensive performance: Webster
His ability to gain extra possessions with offensive rebounds, as well as initiate the offense was a huge key for the Grizzlies. As always Webster attacked downhill securing paint touches and putting pressure on the defense.
Best defensive performance: Frank Bartley
At this point in time, it looks as if players are reluctant to even try to challenge Bartley off the dribble. He was a pest all game, using his quick hands and feet to disrupt the Silverado guards.
Best coaching decisions: Spring Valley Small Ball
This was a game of size versus speed. Silverado used 6’8 freshmen Osiris Grady and 6’9 Junior Desmond Green a lot in their rotation. The Grizzlies’ could counter with a couple of 6’5 players however for most of the night they used 6’2 Mike Martin and 6’4 James Webster inside. Although the Skyhawks had the size, the Grizzlies were able to use the agility and speed of their smaller lineups to grab rebounds and snag loose balls.
Intangible: Mike Martin’s
Once again Martin showed his value. Always a high intangible guy, tonight his tangibles were just as good. He continued to grab rebounds, chase down loose balls, and finish down low. One of the top glue guys in the state.
Best Play: Frank Bartley‘s Game Winner
This was an easy choice. On the second to last possession of the game, Spring Valley held for one. Webster found Martin in the corner, who brought the ball back out top to initiate his drive. With just under 10 seconds left Martin drove right, collapsing the Silverado defense. He found Frank Bartley under the hoop, Bartley quickly got the shot up over Noah Sherrad, giving the Grizzlies the lead with 2 seconds remaining. (View Bartley’s game-winner)
Sleeper: Desmond Green
This dude is nice. I had a chance to see Green twice in the last 24 hours. When he does what he does, he is an athletic finisher with the ability to protect the rim. Green had several blocks and altered many other shots. If the junior can continue his development at the same pace, he has the opportunity to be a terrific sleeper prospect for the right program.
Best Underclassmen: Jordan Morency
The freshmen showed off his skill set tonight. He was able to create off the bounce and knocked downed several outside shots. He limited his turnovers and helped the Skyhawks execute their half-court offense.
Quote: “There’s strength in numbers”
Paul Blair HC Spring Valley
Best Aspect Of Environment: Senior Night Festivities
Senior nights are always special, however, I thought Spring Valley’s was amazing. This was one of the most packed games that I attended this season, and the atmosphere and energy in the building was phenominal This was all heightened by the drama of the game.