Cherokee Trail vs. Denver East Recap
In the Angels’ gym, Cherokee Trail scored 50 points in the second half and took down East 85-81. The Cougars consistently broke full-court presses and David Thornton had his second 36-point game in a row as our No. 8 ranked…
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Continue ReadingIn the Angels’ gym, Cherokee Trail scored 50 points in the second half and took down East 85-81. The Cougars consistently broke full-court presses and David Thornton had his second 36-point game in a row as our No. 8 ranked team in 5A defeated the No. 5 team.
Here’s some quick hitters on a game between two of Colorado’s most loaded squads:
Cherokee Trail might have state’s best duo
Thornton, one of the state’s best dunkers, brings power in the post. He was extremely effective scoring around the basket against East and has become a much improved mid-range and free-throw shooter. Thornton can score in multiple ways and is less reliant now on just his great athleticism. With Jaizec Lottie at point guard, who also had a huge game against the Angels, CT has a tandem that is making an early push for being the best state-wide. Lottie’s two greatest strengths on Wednesday were his ability to find his teammates in transition and in the half-court, and his aptitude for finishing around the basket with an array of moves and athletic finishes. Together, Thornton and Lottie are good enough to state their case all season as the top duo around. They are absolutely in the conversation now.
Cougars have elite athleticism as a team
As mentioned, Thornton has outstanding physical gifts and uses his leaping ability and speed in the open floor to wreak havoc. KJ Sapp is one of the fastest players you’ll find this winter. Lottie isn’t quite as quick, but he’s still highly athletic. Ronnie Barfield is muscular, fast and can play above the rim. Several other Cherokee Trail players get up and down the floor for a team that is as dangerous as any on fastbreaks.
East’s role players are improving
The Angels have an excellent trio of stars in Deron Harrell, Daytone Jennings and Jack Buckmelter. All can score 20-plus points on any given night. But, if East is to make a run at the Denver Prep League championship and the Final Four, the three seniors will need help. Joe Abiakam, a junior starter at guard, excels slashing and defending. He’s getting better and better. Kwane Marble, a freshman who was named a starter for the first time against CT, made several huge plays, including a contested layup to pull East within one point with 47 seconds to go. 6-foot-8 junior Alex May, a transfer from Chatfield appearing in his first game for East, is coordinated. With Jennings in foul trouble most of the night, May stepped in for some long stretches and was pretty effective. He isn’t seasoned yet, but he could have a bright future and will be counted on for frontcourt depth this year. Senior guard Hassani Moore is a very good defensive player. They could use the sharpshooting of fellow fourth-year guard Ian Osburn, who has great mechanics. If he looks for his shot more often while coming off the bench, that would be a nice boost for the Angels. Either way, East’s complementary players are improving.