Five Takeaways: Dulaney vs Mervo (Class 4A Regional Semifinal)
Last night in one of Baltimore’s most difficult places to play, “The Lion’s Den,” the hosting team in Dulaney went head-to-head against Mervo. Both teams are equipped with respectable talent, however one team was without their biggest piece to the…
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Continue ReadingLast night in one of Baltimore’s most difficult places to play, “The Lion’s Den,” the hosting team in Dulaney went head-to-head against Mervo. Both teams are equipped with respectable talent, however one team was without their biggest piece to the puzzle. Mervo went on to win in commanding fashion by a final score of 78-42. They advance to the Class 4A Region II Championship game that will take place on Thursday at Parkville for a 5pm tip.
Here are five takeaways from the contest:
Thomas turns in an efficient night
The 2020 guard/wing had a number of schools in attendance. Coppin State, Morgan State, Harcum Community College and Harford Community College were the known coaches in for Thomas as he led the Mustangs with a team-high 20 points. Dulaney remained in a 2-3 zone for much of the game and as a result, Thomas was sneaking around the high post and baseline area reacting off of his guards’ penetration. On multiple occasions, the 6-foot-5 senior feasted on the offensive glass for tip-ins. He operated effectively in quick isolation situations, showed patience as the ball swung around the perimeter and when the opportunity presented itself, got the Mervo crowd jumping with an electrifying dunk.
No Conway for Dulaney
2021 guard Ryan Conway has been dealing with a bruised bone in his foot for the past couple of weeks. All directions pointed to him being ready for the state tournament, but as he came out for pregame warm ups, Conway didn’t feel comfortable running on it. The call was made that he wouldn’t play. The Lions are a completely different team without Conway’s ball handling, elite scoring and leadership on the floor. Mervo throws a stout three-guard lineup that can pressure ball handlers the full length of the court. You can imagine how that went for the Lions. A ton of turnovers, over dribbling and illicit passes put them behind big, especially when the third quarter began and Mervo got out to a 14-2 run within the first two minutes.
Mervo’s guard play
The Mustangs have three guards that can make life difficult for the opposition. 2020 Teon Rushing, 2020 Demonee Carter and 2022 Carlos Alexander all have somewhat different playing styles but there are many similarities. They’re tough, physical and prefer playing fast and downhill. Once Mervo was able to control the game and apply a press, Dulaney simply didn’t have the ball handlers that could adjust to the pressure. Rushing was effective attacking the rim and seeking contact to get to the free-throw line. 10 if his 12 points came via the charity stripe. Alexander had a handful of no-look passes for buckets, but also got in the mix scoring with eight points. Carter was big for the Mustangs in the first quarter scoring on drives and converting on a look from deep as eight of his 13 points came in the first frame. All three were responsible for the chaos caused in the press. Getting deflections, jumping passes or picking the pockets of the ball handler all usually led to quick scores or free-throws for Mervo.
Byers does what he can
2020 Cameron Byers has been a beneficiary of sharing the court with Conway. The majority of teams scheme their defensive game plan around Conway, but Byers has consistently caused those game plans to change because of his improved outside shooting. The 6-foot-5 forward logged a team-high 20 points, nine of which came from beyond the arc. He also had multiple finishes around the rim after utilizing his physical frame against the taller, leaner Mervo bigs.
Critiquing Mervo as they advance
Pressure only builds as you advance through bracket play. With that being said, if Mervo wants to stay alive, they’ll need to do a much better job of valuing every possession. At least two dozen possessions last night consisted of one pass into a shot. There were careless passes that flew above the intended player’s outreached arms. Opposing teams are going to throw zone Mervo’s way because of their ability to break players down off the dribble in isolation and their inability to shoot efficiently from three. They must to a better job of utilzing Thomas in the half court whether it be getting him more looks in the high-post area or bringing him out on the perimeter to be a play maker. In the first half, Thomas scored on the few times he got the ball, but for the most part he was nonexistent due to the illicit shot attempts being hoisted. Teams who don’t value the ball don’t make it to Xfinity. If that’s Mervo’s goal, then we will need to see a much better offensive team Thursday evening.