NHR Scout: Lakeville North vs Lakeville South
NHR took in the Lakeville South/Lakeville North rivalry last Friday night and experienced a fantastic evening of basketball. The game was won by North 77-63 and they for the most part controlled the contest from start to finish. That said…
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Continue ReadingNHR took in the Lakeville South/Lakeville North rivalry last Friday night and experienced a fantastic evening of basketball. The game was won by North 77-63 and they for the most part controlled the contest from start to finish. That said this was about the atmosphere as much as it was the game.
Friday night was a traditional Girls/Boys double-header so when I arrived in the building the gym was already packed without a seat to be found, the catwalk was three deep, and hallways were filled with people as well as people at tables supporting the “Beat It” theme.
What was the “Beat It” theme? It was North High and South High coming together to raise money for the fight against cancer. All the players, coaches, and many fans wore the same “Beat It” t-shirt regardless of what team they were playing or rooting for. Overall it was a great night controlled by North who received an explosive night from Nathan Reuvers and Carter Brooks to get the win.
Player Notes
Lakeville North
Cal Pesola (6-ft-1, Sr, SG). I felt that Pesola played his role as three point weapon, hard working defender, and ball rotator very well. Pesola knocked out three treys and scored 15 points taking more shots (11) than anybody not named Reuvers. His toughness on the defensive resulted in cutters bouncing off their line plus Cal grabbed four boards and dished out four assists. Did exactly what he needed to from his role.
Carter Brooks (6-ft-6, Sr, SF). Don’t be fooled by the scoring average of a dozen per game. Brooks is having a fantastic season. Carter doesn’t have to take that many shots for this team as he plays several roles: rebounder, top defender, off ball attacker, dependable passer, high energy finisher. Everybody wants to talk about the nasty two hand throw down and we do as well (see the photo from Sue Nelson), it was one of the best dunks of the year but Brook scored 13 points on ten shots, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out six assists. What I really like about Carter is what he is doing defensively and everybody is giving up some shots to Reuvers but that doesn’t seem to both Carter at all who moved the ball to the junior several times for open attempts.
Nick Fossey (6-ft-2, Sr, Wing). Fossey is a new name for me but not for the Panthers. He earned his seven points on just three shots showing a decent three point touch along with a couple active scores. Nick is averaging seven a game so he hit that and this is the second time he has played well against the Cougars.
Ethan Igbanugo (6-ft-1, Jr. PG). Ethan is starting at lead guard and the first thing you notice about this laterally explosive player is his defense. He can beat opponents to the spot with his lateral quicks plus he is able to knock players off balance with his physical strength. Scored six points with three boards, defended Jack Sorenson quite well, and moved the ball like Coach Oxton needs him to. A very interesting player who completes with steadiness and toughness.
Nathan Reuvers: See Prospect Article on Nate that will be put up about 30 minutes after this article.
Lakeville South
Jack Sorenson (6-ft-1, Jr, PG). Sorenson did not have one of his better all around games but he did show his ability to produce points in bunches when the Cougars made a second half run. Jack knocked out five triples (made 6 of 17 shots overall) and scored 21 points for the game showing his ability to take advantage of space at the arc with a quick releasing jumper.
Blake Wacholz (6-ft-1, Sr, SG). I thought Blake was South’s toughest competitor and best all around player last Friday. He simply competed at a level higher than many of his teammates did. The biggest thing he did was compete at a high level especially on the defensive end and on the glass chasing down and out-fighting Panthers for seven boards. Blake also made six of nine attempts including a couple treys for his 16 points.
Shae Mitchell (6-ft-6, So, Forward). Was very quiet in the first half but his coach got him involved early in the second half with an early alley-oop that led to foul shots, a three point make, and dunk moments later. Scored 11 points and was a key part of a late run but had a tough first half against Reuvers.
Cade Carlson (5-ft-11, Jr, SG). Missed his first six shots but made two important treys in the second half when the Cougars were pushing to get back in the game. A three point weapon that must be marked.