Inspire Summer Splash Championship game: Rebs core four
No, your eyes are not deceiving you, and there are not any missing players in the team photo. The Phoenix Rebs club basketball team won the Inspire Summer Splash championship game in Gilbert, Arizona on July 15 with just four players – facing a full five and numerous substitutes – all game.
What the Rebs lacked in numbers, they made up with hustle, rebounding, and transition offense. Here are the four players who took home the trophy, and some of what they contributed to the team.
- Deshawn Pearson
Pearson was able to score near the basket against two or three defenders, seemingly at will, both off the dribble and with smart cuts to the basket. He rebounded well, especially on the offensive end, and when his teammates came down with boards after tough defense, he always looked to get the outlet pass and run in transition. He went on an 8-0 scoring run, with three straight layups and two free throws, near the beginning of the second half, which gave the Rebs a lead they would not squander the rest of the game.
- Lemaica Westbrook
Westbrook was a vocal leader throughout the championship game, not letting the Rebs use being a man down as an excuse. He encouraged teammates, and celebrated the baskets of his teammates as much as he did his own (and he hit plenty). His contributions on offense came on several makes on contested jumpers from the perimeter, as well as transition drives to the basket for layups and passes to the corner for open shots.
- Joseph Samaniego
Samaniego had a short injury scare, leaving the Rebs with just three players for about three minutes of play – as if they were not already at enough of a disadvantage – but was effective, particularly with his jumper, on offense. It seemed whenever the opposing Inspire team went on a run and got close to tying the game, he would hit a three from the corner and stop both the run and momentum. He also hustled a lot on defense, often taking the ball handler at the top of their makeshift four-player zone.
- Khyri Marshall
Marshall, though he did not fill up the scoreboard as much as the other Rebs players, was equally influential in the outcome of the championship game, providing plenty of rebounds and interior defense against a team with an advantage in numbers. When he rebounded, he always seemed to make the right pass to help teammates get out in transition. When the Rebs actually did play a half-court offense, he set great screens and made it easier for teammates to get open for jumpers. He also hit a few key shots in the flow of the offense.