3A Playoffs – Creswell 49, Sutherlin 42: Top Performers
The first day of 3A playoffs was an exciting one, headlined by fifth-seeded Creswell’s defensive homestand against twelfth-seeded Sutherlin. In a back-and-forth slugfest, Sutherlin led almost the entire first half and carried a 21-18 advantage going into the break. Then,…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe first day of 3A playoffs was an exciting one, headlined by fifth-seeded Creswell’s defensive homestand against twelfth-seeded Sutherlin.
In a back-and-forth slugfest, Sutherlin led almost the entire first half and carried a 21-18 advantage going into the break. Then, Creswell’s playmakers fed off a sold-out crowd and went on a run of their own, taking a 36-34 lead into the final quarter of play.
Down 38-36 with five minutes to go, Creswell’s Austin Gabriel buried a three-pointer from the left wing to recapture the lead for the final time. The home-team Bulldogs ended the game on a 12-4 run.
With the win, Creswell moves to 20-5 and advances to the state tournament in Coos Bay for the first time since 2015.
Here’s our top performers from Saturday:
Kai Apo (2020 Creswell) – Stats: 21 pts, 9 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl
The 6-foot-4 senior operated as a point forward of sorts on Saturday, clearly standing out as a difference maker for the Bulldogs. Alongside a solid frame, Apo demonstrated well-rounded offensive ability, scoring from all three levels during critical moments of the game. As a great ball handler and one of the tallest players on the roster, Apo must play a variety of roles for Creswell, running the show both offensively and defensively.
Tyler Frieze (2020 Creswell) – Stats: 15 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl
Frieze was effective attacking the basket on Saturday, providing consistent scoring for the Bulldogs in an incredibly defensive game. The 6-foot senior made a couple tough finishes amongst Sutherlin’s rim protectors, displaying his ability to alter shots mid-air and use spin off the backboard. Additionally, Frieze knocked down one of the Bulldogs’ three three-pointers on Saturday, proving himself as one of the fifth seed’s top shooters.
Collin Bodine (2021 Sutherlin) – Stats: 19 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
Bodine was easily the visitor Bulldogs’ most consistent offensive player, scoring in each of the four periods on his way to a team-high 19 points. The junior guard buried three three-pointers, matching Creswell’s entire roster to keep Sutherlin in the ballgame. As a spot-up shooter, Bodine offers value to almost any roster. Furthermore, the 5-foot-11 junior rebounds well for his size.
Mason Gill (2020 Sutherlin) – Stats: 10 pts, 9 reb, 2 blk
Although Gill struggled at times to finish inside, he was clearly one of Sutherlin’s best all-around players on Saturday. The 6-foot-4 senior boasts terrific athleticism for the 3A level, altering plays on both ends with his length and jumping ability. Leading the game in both rebounds and blocks for the visitors, Gill played well in his final game as a Bulldog.