Scouting Report: Smoky Hill vs. Hinkley
Anthony Hardin is attempting to build a basketball culture at Smoky Hill from the ground up. So, for now, he’s not above playing DJ before games or scrambling to find clock operators and book keepers. He’ll break down film until…
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Continue ReadingAnthony Hardin is attempting to build a basketball culture at Smoky Hill from the ground up. So, for now, he’s not above playing DJ before games or scrambling to find clock operators and book keepers. He’ll break down film until his eyes are red. It’s what the job demands early on, when you’re trying to show a blueprint of what excellence demands.
There are signs young and talented Smoky Hill is already catching on. They chant on the bench. They speak of brotherhood. They are on their feet when a teammate comes off the floor. These are the intangibles that have to be in place, which Hardin knows well having coached since he was 21 years old.
As for the on-court product, the Buffaloes are showing big strides too. They claimed third-place in their home tournament by virtue of their 64-49 victory over Hinkley on Saturday, bouncing back from a tough loss the day before against Lakewood, which ultimately won the title over Legend Saturday afternoon.
The Buffaloes play a relentless brand, challenging shots, pressuring the ball on defense and swinging it on offense. They have a superlative freshman in Kenny Foster (pictured), who is already one of the most skilled players in the state — at 14 years old. And the surrounding cast, while young, plays hard and together. It will be interesting to watch this team as it continues to gel and then benefits from the debut of a couple talented transfers come January.
Hinkley, too, is an improved team with athleticism and pretty good guard play. They lack size but play tough and will be a tough out because of that.
Below is a closer look at some of each team’s players: