Granite City Classic: Lunch Edition
Minneapolis North and Rogers played a game of the month type candidate with the Polars hanging on for a 90-87 victory. At one point I looked up on the scoreboard and nine of the ten players in the game hit…
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Continue ReadingMinneapolis North and Rogers played a game of the month type candidate with the Polars hanging on for a 90-87 victory. At one point I looked up on the scoreboard and nine of the ten players in the game hit double figures but contributions were equal across the board as each on court regular had his own run of contribution. North was always ahead sometimes up nine or ten, and sometimes up one score. Rogers made regular runs but the Polars countered each run quickly to hold off their opponent never allowing a Royal second half lead. With single digits left on the clock Odell Wilson missed a free throw and Allen Wilson flew the other way attempting an NBA trey with four seconds left and it missed pushing the number one ranked Polars to 9-1 on the season.
Mpls North Player Impressions
Isaac Johnson. Not his best game. Was solid early but as the game wore on foul trouble frustrated him. Scored a dozen. He’s a D1 talent for sure but at this point it’s tough to know what level.
Ahzerick Rodgers. If Rogers would have blocked him out, they would have won. Scored three key putback buckets as Rogers guards didn’t make a box-out hit on him and those scores changed momentum. Had a dozen points and half were on putback.
JaQuan Sanders-Smith. Quieter game for JaQuan. A talented young guard who we predicted will have an explosive senior year, but was the odd man out guard wise today.
Tyler Johnson. Didn’t play again. Word is he is resting. No idea when he will get back on the floor.
Jamil Jackson. Used the between the legs step-back jumper for a couple nice scores, did a good job taking transition contact and finishing, had a nasty putback dunk. Scored a solid 22 for the game and seems to look comfortable. Eventually he will be on a D1 roster as he’s just too big on the wing with explosiveness to not get a chance at that level.
Patrick Dembley. Had a really big first half igniting the transition game for about four different explosive runs. Hit a couple long jumpers, did a great job pushing the ball to the open floor after a forced turnover, but fouled out with 17 points and did not have the second half he wanted to.
Tayler Johnson. The sophomore played the role minutes today and was on the floor late when North was trying to secure a win. It says something that he was on the floor late over some others, coach McKenzie obviously has a trust in him.
Odell Wilson IV. Rogers had nobody that can do something with him. When Odell caught the ball he was too strong to stop from turning over a shoulder, creating space with the physical turn, and then touching the ball in. Love watching his collection of low post scores after he does a great job of getting position.
Rogers Player Impressions
Steffan Musoke. Loved the jab step into a three combination, his open floor finishing was what you would expect for a guy at his size and athletic ability, and overall I thought faced with the challenge of the North athletes Steffan excelled. At his size and athletic ability, when he gets settled into the UST system, he’s going to be a nightmare to deal with at that level. Almost seems unfair.
Allen Wilson. My impressions of him have never been higher. His physical push up the floor was aggressive, physical, and completed against North guards. Confident shooter at the arc and this summer he showed what he’s capable of defensively too.
Matt Carik. Crafty young guard that had older intimidating opponents talking to him and he ignored the noise and made plays. A six foot junior guard with some real toughness. A guy you don’t want to leave open with feet set but he’s crafty on the move too.
Mitch Spilles. First player in the game to hit double figures but also the first player to foul out. Played the energizer roll outworking the better athlete to give his team production.
Will Alexander. I look at Alexander and think he would be a kid that a MIAC should bring in and work with to eventually help as an upperclassmen. Has the frame and lateral quicks to be a nice defender and he’s steadily grown to be a third Rogers scoring option.