5 Takeaways from Peabody vs. Bossier
Last night, Peabody took on Bossier at Peabody, and the Warhorses were able to come away the win 50-39, although the game was much closer for much of the contest than the score might indicate. This is the second time the two teams have played each other, with both teams getting a win over the other so far this season. Here are the five biggest takeaways from their second matchup.
1)Peabody’s defense is stifling
Bossier came into this game averaging 62.9 points per game, and Peabody was able to hold them to under 40 points in this game, by far Bossier’s lowest point total so far this season. This is also much lower than the 68 points that Peabody gave up to Bossier the first time that these two teams played each other. Peabody was able to corral Bossier’s offense in the paint, and the combination of 6’6 Dwight Simon and 6’9 Jamal Hayward were able to affect most shots that Bossier took in the paint. This game also shows the versatility that Peabody is able to play with. Kyron Gibson was held out of this game, so Peabody elected to play at a much more methodical, slower pace. This is a team in Peabody that has scored over 100 points on multiple occasions so far this season, but they showed that they were also able to win a half court game.
2) Jacoby Decker is the real deal
The score on the scoreboard might not have worked out the way that Jacoby Decker would have liked, but he was able to show why he is one of the best guards in the state. There were multiple college coaches in the building that were wowed by his handles and his shot making ability. He hit some tough pull up 3’s, and make the correct read on passes at a consistent level. There were 2-3 shots that he forced that got either blocked or effected by a closeout, so if he can eliminate those shots, the sky’s the limit. Even at his size (5’8) he is a D1 player, and D1 coach should take note before it is too late.
3)Peabody is a versatile team that can play at multiple speeds
This game also shows the versatility that Peabody is able to play with. Kyron Gibson was held out of this game, so Peabody elected to play at a much more methodical, slower pace. This is a team in Peabody that has scored over 100 points on multiple occasions so far this season, but they showed that they were also able to win a half court game. As we said before, there defense was tough to score on, but they also made the plays that it takes to win. They took care of the ball better than Bossier, and they were able to hit free throws when the team needed it.
4) Dante Bell is the best big of 2020
This was my first time seeing Bell live, and boy does he live up to the hype. He is already a legit 6’7, and he doesn’t look like he is done growing yet. He is as long and athletic as they come, and is able to rebound out of position, and over bigger and older players. He was able to score down in the post, but still doesn’t totally know how to seal his defender when trying to post up. He reminds me a lot of a young Robert Williams, who is now at Texas A&M. There is absolutely no questioning his toughness either. Last night, he dislocated his finger, had it put back in place by the trainer, and checked right back into the game, all within two minutes. If he is able to put on another couple of inches, he is going to be a high major player by the time his senior season rolls around.
5) Both teams are state title contenders
While Peabody was able to walk away with a win last night, these teams are about even, and them being 1-1 on the season against each other feels right. As far as the state title chase, 3A is going to be as tough as it gets in Louisiana this season for Peabody, going up against Madison Prep and Washington Marion. All three of those teams came away with a state title last season, but only one will be walking away with a ring this year. For Bossier, they were impressive, but still pretty young. Their best players were all sophomores and juniors. They will have a chance to make a run in 4A this season, but their best shot at a 4A title is going to be coming next season.