Cherokee Trail: Stock riser, under-radar performer
Cherokee Trail played perhaps its best game of the young season on Saturday morning, sprinting to a big lead again George Washington and then holding on for a 75-72 victory. The Cougars won despite missing star point guard Jaizec Lottie for…
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Continue ReadingCherokee Trail played perhaps its best game of the young season on Saturday morning, sprinting to a big lead again George Washington and then holding on for a 75-72 victory.
The Cougars won despite missing star point guard Jaizec Lottie for almost three full quarters after he sustained an injury.
The Cougars (2-1) beat the Patriots at their own game, thriving in transition and playing suffocating perimeter defense. George Washington, which dropped to 1-3, missed a boatload of layups, was plagued by turnovers and generally lacked offensive rhythm.
The Patriots authored a valiant comeback attempt behind Daylen Kountz, Jervay Green and Jon’il Fugett, but Trail hit enough free throws down the stretch to preserve the victory.
Player of the game: David Thornton was a monster. He finished with 36 points and 16 rebounds and inserted himself into every aspect of the game. The 6-foot-5 uncommitted senior can play multiple positions. He exhibited great guard skills in handling some ball-handling duties when Lottie went out. He pulled up in transition for a few nice jump shots, attacked the glass and created great sealing position in the post, where he scored easily over the Patriots’ overmatched frontline players. He was also excellent from the free-throw line.
Under-the-radar spotlight: Ian Kelly, 6-5 junior forward, Cherokee Trail.
Outside of a certain 6-foot-10 Indiana-bound senior at Overland, the Centennial League isn’t exactly stocked with big men. So the fact that the Cougars have a capable, decently skilled, wide and tough big in the block in Kelly could certainly pay dividends.
Kelly’s biggest attribute is that he is solid. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, knows his assignments and plays strong. The lefty displayed good post IQ and footwork against GW, scoring once on a deft spin move that included a well-executed pump fake before going up. Can hit from mid-range well enough to pull the defense out. With Thornton’s versatility and Kelly providing a strong force down low, the Cougars could have enough post presence to go with great guard play that could make them a complete and dangerous team going forward.