Archbishop Mitty Wins At Bellarmine 59-55
On Friday Prep Hoops NorCal was in the gym for the rematch game between Mitty and Bellarmine. The Bells won the first contest at Mitty a few weeks ago. This time around Mitty was determined to play 4 qtrs of…
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Continue ReadingOn Friday Prep Hoops NorCal was in the gym for the rematch game between Mitty and Bellarmine. The Bells won the first contest at Mitty a few weeks ago. This time around Mitty was determined to play 4 qtrs of basketball. They stayed true to that statement and came away with the win 59-55. Here’s my take on the game.
Mitty went back to it’s original starting five. All starter are around 6’2- 6’3 and can handle the ball. This enabled the Monarchs to speed up the pace of the game, and it helped get them out to a fast start from the beginning. 19-16 after one.
Owen Browne 6’3 2020 guard for Mitty was the hot hand in the first half, knocking down two 3’s to help Mitty control the pace of the game, and maintain a lead going into halftime 30-26. He had 10 points at half, and continued to stay on the attack throughout game. He knocked down a big shot with 2 minutes left in the game. He finished with 15 pts.
Mike Mitchell 6’3 2021 guard from Mitty (Pepperdine) is continuing to raise his level of play. He scored 18pts and was the games high scorer. He looked more like a combo guard in this game, scoring from different angles, with floaters, and mid range jumpers. He’s becoming a go to guy for this team. His shot is selection is improving. In this game he was actively boxing out for rebounds and was tenacious on defense.
Mitty got good production from it bench. Arrish Bhandal 6’9 f/c 2021 played a significant role in this game. His presence was felt on defense. His long reach changed a few shots, and he didn’t allow easy layups on the drive. He made it more difficult for the Bells to score 2nd chance points inside. He only scored 4 pts, but the Bells had to account for him often leaving others open for penetration, and good looks at 3’s. He kept the ball live on missed shots even if he couldn’t secure the rebound. He finished with 4pts, 4blks. This could be a turning point for him. Aidan Burke 6’3 2022 guard bought himself some playing time in future games with his performance. He’s been patiently waiting for an opportunity to contribute. His all around solid play in this game gave the Monarchs a needed lift off the bench. A big 3 in the 4th qtr, a timely steal, and solid defense. He finished with 8 pts, 3 rebounds.
Mitty’s team defensive effort can’t go unnoticed. They held Bellarmine’s top player Quinn Denker 6’2 2020 guard scoreless the first half, although being the competitor that he is he did keep the Bells in it with 12 points all in the second half.
Bellarmine will bounce back, they have a competitive group led by Denker, and Ryan Kiachian 6’9 2021 who has been active on both ends of the court. He has s a presence in the paint, and has to be accounted for on both ends. He had 7 pts 6 rebounds. Another player who could emerge at Bellarmine is Josh Wolf-Bloom 6’5 2021. He has earned his way into a starting position and has been a solid contributor this season. He’s not scoring a bunch, but he’s a gamer. He’s scrappy, he fights for rebounds, handles the ball on the break, a good passer, but gets careless at times. He has to improve his outside shooting but he’s a player on the rise. He had 5 pts 7 rebounds, another player in this game for Bellarmine who I thought played well was Josiah Ajiake 6’3 2020. He came off the bench for the Bells and provided some energy with his play, a crowd pleasing dunk, and some nice put backs around the basket. He finished with 7 points.