GAME RECAP: Paetow HS vs Morton Ranch HS
Friday night gave us a match up between two schools that are less than five miles apart, so it was expected that emotions would run high. Morton Ranch HS (Mavericks) played host to Paetow HS (Panthers), two teams that have…
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Continue ReadingFriday night gave us a match up between two schools that are less than five miles apart, so it was expected that emotions would run high. Morton Ranch HS (Mavericks) played host to Paetow HS (Panthers), two teams that have high hopes for the 2020-2021 season. Unfortunately for Paetow, the season did not start they way that they intended it to. They were forced to the sidelines due to health and safety reasons, that many teams have had to deal with because of the pandemic. The great news is that after they quarantined, everyone is now healthy and no one got seriously ill. Morton Ranch comes into the game riding the versatility of, 6’5 senior, Ethan Shiflet along with Kuot Wei, a guard that can hurt opposing teams with his 3-point ability. But Paetow always plans to dominate the paint, thanks to their man-child, 6’8 junior, Charles Chukwu Charles Chukwu 6'9" | C Katy Paetow | 2022 State TX . However, they can also light you up from the perimeter with a quartet of guards that can make plays and make shots. Let’s see how this one played out…
Paetow got off to a fast start and a quick lead with 5 quick points by Trevor Frank, followed by a powerful move by Charles Chukwu Charles Chukwu 6'9" | C Katy Paetow | 2022 State TX on the inside. Morton Ranch struggled to find a rhythm to begin the game, which was a result of them not taking care of the ball. Not only were they not making shots, for a lot of the 1st quarter, they were not even getting shots. However, three 3-pointers by Kuot Wei kept them in the game as Paetow focused on establishing dominance in the paint.
Once Morton Ranch slowed down and started to settle into the game, things began to pick up for them. They made crisp and deliberate passes, they made the Paetow defense have to rotate, and knocked down their open shots. Ethan Shiflet accounted for two of their four 3-pointers in the period and Morton Ranch chipped into the Paetow lead. But thanks to Khi Watkins stingy defense and relentless attacks to the rim, Paetow never relinquished the lead and was still ahead 3 points at the half.
The third quarter resembled the first quarter, but unfortunately for Morton Ranch, it was even worse. The quartet of guards for Paetow were extremely active and physical defensive. This limited Morton Ranch’s offense in a significant way, only giving up two points in the quarter. In addition, Ethan Shiflet for Morton Ranch appeared to have suffered an injury to his lower left leg. He would be able to return, but the damage was done. Paetow’s defense was on fire and it also sparked their offense, as they were able to get in the open court and take advantage of some easy opportunities.
The route was on as Paetow continued to pressure Morton Ranch defensively. But there was no quit in the Mavericks, as they continued to attempt to find ways to score the ball. They did a better job of protecting the ball and were able to see the ball go through the net more often. Just as Morton Ranch went on a run, boom, EJ Roberts for Paetow erupted offensively putting a damper on any hopes of a comeback. Roberts shot the ball extremely well from the perimeter, regardless of if it was off the dribble or catch and shoot. He accounted for twelve forth quarter points, putting an exclamation point on the Paetow victory.
Double Digit Scorers
Kuot Wei (6’3 G | Morton Ranch HS | 2021) – 16 points
Charles Chukwu Charles Chukwu 6'9" | C Katy Paetow | 2022 State TX (6’8 F | Paetow HS | 2022) – 12 points
Elijah “EJ” Roberts (5’11 PG | Paetow HS | 2022) – 12 points
Khi Watkins (6’3 PG | Paetow HS | 2021) – 11 points
Trevor Frank (6’0 G | Paetow HS | 2022) – 11 points