Scouting Report: Legend vs. Lincoln
This was a get-right game for the Legend Titans, who cruised to a 77-56 victory over Lincoln on Wednesday at the Cherry Creek Holiday Classic. It has been an up-and-down past two weeks for the Titans, but they headed into…
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Continue ReadingThis was a get-right game for the Legend Titans, who cruised to a 77-56 victory over Lincoln on Wednesday at the Cherry Creek Holiday Classic. It has been an up-and-down past two weeks for the Titans, but they headed into the Christmas break on a strong note by dictating the flow of the game with their intensity.
This was the third time we’ve seen Legend live this season, and it was the best the Titans have looked. They shared the ball, they fought for loose balls and played with intensity on the defensive end. When they do all those things, their success on the perimeter usually follows. A 20-point win over a talented — if still growing — Lincoln team was an impressive feat. If the Titans play like that night in and night out, they’ll always be a tough out.
Below is a more in-depth look at a couple of Legend’s key standouts as well as a full report on Lincoln’s top group:
Legend
Monroe Porter, 6-3 senior guard
Porter can certainly shoot the basketball, but that alone doesn’t set him apart from the crowd. What’s made him a Division II player, with the ability to flourish at that level, is his staunch commitment to the defensive end. Porter is one of the best on-ball perimeter defenders in the state. He has incredibly quick hands and is disruptive in passing lanes. He can alter the course of a game with his ability to create pressure and turn that into offense for himself in others. His biggest attribute on that end of the court is the passion with which he plays. Defensive success is largely about effort, and Porter continues to set the bar high for his team in that regard. When he ratchets up the pressure, it sets a strong tone for his team.
Riley Matticks, 6-2 senior point guard
When Matticks played like he did Wednesday, the Titans will be difficult for anyone to beat. He played with great poise under pressure, attacking efficiently, staying sharp with his dribble and finding open shooters. Legend has the ability to be so dangerous because it usually plays with four — and sometimes five — legitimate 3-point-shooting threats on the court. When Matticks is at his best, Legend is getting plenty of these looks, as it was Wednesday. Matticks is uncommitted but will be a strong backcourt piece for a team at the small-college level.
Danny Garrick, 6-6 senior wing
Garrick is this team’s X-factor. Because of his length, size, athleticism and shooting ability, he can fill multiple roles on the court, and the Titans will need him to at times this season. Garrick was in battle mode on Wednesday, fighting hard on the glass where his leaping ability allows him to make a big impact.
Lincoln
Tino Chavez, 6-5 senior forward
Solid and a strong, athletic frame. Chavez has some good tools. Can handle it at multiple spots on the floor and plays with good energy. Has long arms and good overall length on the defensive end, where he’s disruptive and rebounds. Sets solid screens. A Swiss Army Knife player who brings a lot of different things to the table. Obvious leader for the team. Solidifying his mid-range touch would make him even more valuable.
Rene Melendez, 6-4 senior forward
Good catch-and-shoot player who can also handle well. Deceptively strong attacking player in transition who has a good feel for being able to create space. Plays with great energy and motor on the defensive end of the floor.
Umar Jalloh, 6-6 junior wing
Jalloh, the brother of former in-state standout Alpha Diallo, is an athletically gifted player who is still raw but showing quick growth. H put his athleticism on display when he ran down a Legend player from about 15 feet back and authored an emphatic rejection at the rim. Still needs growth on his outside jump shot. Has a strong first burst that will be even more effective once defenders have to close hard. Potential is there for Jalloh to be a strong next-level player as he continues to grow his feel for the game.
Jamison Washington, 6-2 junior guard
Gifted ball-handler who has the ability to create his own shot in most situations. Quick crossover dribbler who can pull into an effective pull-up jumper. Needs continued to focus on the defensive end to turn himself into a potent two-way player. Athleticism and skill set are there to make him a productive player at the next level with continued growth.
Noe Davila, 6-8 senior forward
Lefty post man with some solid footwork. Not overly athletic but runs the floor well and plays aggressively on both ends. Good shot blocker who also has decent midrange game from about 12 to 15 feet.