Michigan Scouting Report: Ypsilanti Community at Ann Arbor Pioneer
On Friday, a massive showdown between two really good teams took place in Ann Arbor. Though Ypsilanti Community looked like it might be the favorite, Ann Arbor Pioneer had the home court and the home crowd in its corner. Early…
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Continue ReadingOn Friday, a massive showdown between two really good teams took place in Ann Arbor. Though Ypsilanti Community looked like it might be the favorite, Ann Arbor Pioneer had the home court and the home crowd in its corner.
Early on, it was a tight back and forth game between the two teams. Corey Allen was the guy carrying things early, but as the first half continued, Christopher McGaughy and TJ Roberts started making some big plays for the Pioneers. By time it was halftime, Pioneer held a narrow 23-20 lead.
In the second half, things remained tight. For the entire third quarter, one team would make a big bucket and the other would respond in turn. However, as the fourth quarter hit, Corey Allen really took over and pushed Ypsilanti Community ahead.
All told, Ypsilanti Community came away with a 53-39 win.
Ann Arbor Pioneer
John Kunec, 6-2 senior, F
Did a nice job of setting screens for teammates and playing decent defense.
TJ Roberts, 6-0 senior, G
A guard that primarily does his damage with his shot, but can also drive it. Started a bit quietly, but started to heat up as the game went on. Not only did he do a good job of moving off the ball to get open, but he also got some decent space off the drive. Along with that, he did a nice job of finding opportunities in transition both on the perimeter and on the paint. Finished with 14 points.
Landon Lowder, 5-8 freshman, G
Sat out with a stress fracture to his foot. Still being evaluated.
Deric Murray, 6-2 junior, G/F
Sat out with injury. Murray is ranked as the No. 28 player in the 2017 class by Prep Hoops Michigan.
Christopher McGaughy, 5-5 junior, G
Once again showed his grit and came up when his team needed it. Undoubtedly, he was a key factor on offense in initiating things on the perimeter and driving with the ball. During one particular stretch, he hit a big three from the perimeter, then was able to stay committed on defense in transition to lead to a missed shot. Did a nice job of passing out of ball screens and finding open shooters as well.
Cedric Benton, 6-2 junior, G/F
Continued to show off his athleticism in transition and in his mid-range game. Great drive early in the first quarter to get to the line and converted once he got there. He did get a bit too aggressive in passing the ball, but did make a few nice passes and played decently on the boards. Benton is ranked as the No. 62 player in the 2017 class by Prep Hoops Michigan. Finished with six points.
Jordan Currie, 6-6 junior, F
He’s a long and lengthy forward that’s continuing to fill out. Showed nice awareness around the basket and used his length to be a factor on the offensive boards. He also showed some shot blocking ability in the second half. Currie is ranked as the No. 88 player in the 2017 class by Prep Hoops Michigan.
Mohamed Soumaoro, 6-2 junior, G/F
Athletic forward that’s continuing to develop as a defender in transition. He was tasked with defending Corey Allen for the majority of the night and help up relatively well for most of the game.
Noah Osebor, 6-4 junior, G/F
Showed some quality athleticism in transition. Threw down a massive dunk in the third quarter to get Pioneer within one possession.
Ypsilanti Community
Marlin Talley, 5-9 junior, G
Hit a huge shot in transition to put Ypsilanti ahead in the second quarter.
Jamezell Davis, 5-9 junior, G
Quick guard with a solid handle that keeps moving. Perhaps Ypsilanti’s most effective player running in transition on Friday night due to his awareness and effort to look for the ball on the move. He also did a good job of finishing once he did get opportunities in transition. Along with that, connected on a big three early in the first quarter thanks to his smooth form. Showed a lot of energy on the defensive end and was willing to fight for the out of bounds plays. Connected on a huge shot late in the game to put Ypsilanti up by eight with just a few minutes left. Finished with 11 points.
Gavin Crout, 6-3 sophomore, G
A strong guard with decent athleticism and length. Did a nice job of moving off screens and willing to use his body to get positioning while rebounding.
Corey Allen, 6-3 senior, G
A smooth guard that does his best work in the lane. He displayed a great combination of athleticism, length, and feel for the game. Along with that, he can get inside off the bounce and finish either with a floater or at the rim. He did start a bit quietly, but came up huge in the fourth quarter, including some huge plays in transition. Allen is ranked as the No. 8 player in the 2016 class by Prep Hoops Michigan. Finished with 22 points, with the vast majority in the fourth quarter.
Michael Bruce, 6-5 senior, F
Played quality post defense and had a great block early on thanks to his speed and length. He can also run well in transition and use his length around the rim. In the fourth quarter, he showed off a solid hook shot on a key possession. Bruce is ranked as the No. 51 player in the 2016 class by Prep Hoops Michigan.
Jalen Maxwell, 6-3 senior, F
Excellent on ball defense. Keeps his hands in proper position to defend the ball and feet in proper position to defend the drive. Constant pressure on the perimeter. He also had a great steal inside when he jumped the passing lane and was active on the boards.