Saline @ Skyline: Recap and 5 Takeaways
Skyline came to play and it was evident early. On offense their perimeter passing was efficient and accurate, which created open shots from behind the arc. Defensively, Skyline forced turnovers by pressuring the ball and jumping in passing lanes. This resulted in a 17-9 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. The combination of Skyline’s shooters (Brandon Wade, Jack Ammerman, and Ryan Wade) and DeSean Munson on the glass kept Saline at a distance in the 2nd. Trevor Arico’s shooting, Griffin Yaklich’s playmaking, and Adam Heisler’s finishing under the rim kept Saline in the game through the first half. Skyline took a 29-21 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Jack Ammerman opened the second half with a three, while Griffin Yaklich stepped up defensively and found open teammates to try to lead Saline back. As the 3rd quarter rolled along, Brandon Wade and Ryan Wade continued to make timely baskets and helped Skyline start to pull away. In the 4th quarter Saline fought till the last second, but Ryan Wade’s defense and Skyline’s ability to shoot a high percentage from the line didn’t allow Saline within 9. In a gritty performance by both teams, Skyline gutted out the win over Saline 60-50.
5 TAKEAWAYS:
DeSean Munson is CRITICAL to Skyline’s state championship aspirations.
On a team full of shooters, Munson cleans up on the glass. He’s a superb athlete who is Skyline’s best bet for points in the paint. Munson can run the floor and play solid post defense as well. If Skyline wins a state title, it will be in part because of Munson’s rebounding and play in the post.
Skyline’s perimeter passing is an art form.
The Skyline guards move and pass so well on the perimeter that a good look at the basket is just a matter of time. Brandon Wade, Ryan Wade, and Jack Ammerman all move with a purpose, find the open man, and deliver the quickly and cleanly.
Trevor Arico (2020, G, Saline) is a shooter to keep an eye on the rest of the season.
Arico is a smart player who recognizes a good look at the basket when he sees one. His sharpshooting was a big reason that Saline stayed in the game.
Skyline closes out quickly on shooters.
It’s really hard to get a clean look at the basket from deep against Skyline. Every player on the floor closes out on shooters and they do it fast with a hand in the face.
Griffin Yaklich to Adam Heisler combination was effective for Saline.
Heisler did a good job getting free under the basket. Yaklich is a playmaker who can get the ball to his teammates. This combo worked well for Saline and may be seen more in the future.