Game of the Week: Eaglecrest at Boulder
Who: No. 4 Eaglecrest (6-0) at Boulder (4-1) – Records as of Dec. 15 When: 6:30 p.m., Thursday This game features a pair of teams who have surprised in various ways this season, and this primetime matchup should say plenty…
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Continue ReadingWho: No. 4 Eaglecrest (6-0) at Boulder (4-1) – Records as of Dec. 15
When: 6:30 p.m., Thursday
This game features a pair of teams who have surprised in various ways this season, and this primetime matchup should say plenty more about each squad.
The Raptors certainly had some doubters heading into this season after losing three double-digit scorers from last season’s talented team that marched deep into the Class 5A playoffs. But when you have Colbey Ross, one of the top players in the state regardless of class, you have a fantastic starting foundation.
Ross has been predictably excellent so far this season. He’s averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game on the way to a 6-0 start. But it’s been the growth of a strong supporting cast for Eaglecrest that has been particularly impressive.
Sophomore guard Victor Garnes started the season with a bang, scoring 18 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting from the field, in an opening night win over a talented Rock Canyon team. He’s been consistent since. Junior forward Ikenna Ozor has also been a strong force, averaging 10.4 points per game, and the Raptors have a handful of other players who have made strong contributions as well.
As for Boulder, which nearly jumped into our top 10 this week, the Panthers have started strong under first-year coach Jack Clarke, their only setback being a two-point setback to Cherokee Trail last week. They two have a balance squad that has gelled tightly under their rookie head coach. Senior sharpshooter Landon Taliaferro (16 points per game) has had help from the likes of Luke Wilson (15.0), Bill DiScipio (6.8) and Jack Boyle (5.5), among others.
Here are a few key things to watch on Thursday:
THE PROSPECTS
Eaglecrest: Colbey Ross, 6-foot point guard (No. 2 in 2017); Nate Bokol, 6-foot-5 forward (No. 59 in 2017); XaiV’ion Jackson, 5-foot-11 guard (No. 4 in 2018); Jalen Talbott, 5-foot-11 guard (No. 43 in 2018)
Boulder: Landon Taliaferro, 6-foot-4 guard (No. 36 in 2016); Luke Wilson (No. 99 in 2017)
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Ross vs. Boulder defense
The state’s top point guard excels in breaking down defenses, disrupting man-to-man and zone schemes alike with his ability to get to any spot he wants on the floor and forcing opponents to move out of position.
Boulder has good, tough size in the halfcourt, so it is imperative they don’t get into too much of an up-and-down game. This means limiting as much as they can Ross’ ability to get into the open floor and create, a task of course that is easier said than done.
X-FACTOR
Peter Chopra.
Boulder’s 6-foot-5 junior forward can be a spark on both ends of the floor off the bench. He’s very athletic and can make plays around the rim. Chopra is still raw but appears to be learning fast. He could be leaned on to help limit some of Eaglecrest’s penetrating guard once they get going.
SCOUTING REPORT
Before their narrow loss to Cherokee Trail, Boulder was shooting 55 percent from 3-point range. Taliaferro and Wilson have been especially potent from the perimeter, combining for 19-of-32 shooting from three through the first four games.
It is imperative for the Panthers to find success from 3-point range. This is a solid half-court team that has been running great sets under Clarke that have resulted in good perimeter looks. They don’t want to get into a running match with the Raptors, so converting at a high rate, and then preventing run outs when they are off target, is key.
For the Raptors, their transition game will only get stronger as they continue to gel. They must continue to lean on their plus athleticism and playing tough defense, trademarks of a 6-0 start that has featured nearly all blowouts. Few teams have looked more impressive.
PREDICTION
There is a lot to like about this matchup. Both teams play disciplined within their varying styles. Whichever team can impose its will is going to have the best shot at key non-conference victory. There’s plenty for each side to prove.
Prediction: Eaglecrest 61, Boulder 58