Wolves Shootout: Champlin Park rolls
Lincoln scored the first two baskets of the game and there was excitement to what they were doing in the Target Center but then a couple 10-0 runs sandwiched around a Lincoln score quickly made an exciting day for the…
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Continue ReadingLincoln scored the first two baskets of the game and there was excitement to what they were doing in the Target Center but then a couple 10-0 runs sandwiched around a Lincoln score quickly made an exciting day for the Iowa team, a rather ugly blemish for a long road trip.
Aaron Kloeppner moved off the ball to open space and Rebel lead guards Brian Smith and McKinley Wright both found him for three early game triples. Brian Smith added a couple threes including a first half buzzer beater, DJ Hunter moved off the ball to score three times, and Wright dazzled Target Center fans with a pair of baskets. The Rebels forced ten Lincoln turnovers in the first dozen minutes and allowed only one trey from the visitors in the first 20 minutes of play guiding them to a 76-45 victory.
Brian Smith (5-ft-6, Jr, G). Smith has been on the floor a lot more lately mainly because he is shooting very well and because he is a high IQ player on both ends. Hit a buzzer beating trey right before the break. Knocked out three treys for the game and has done a nice job making sure that the work rate of the bench unit is at a high level.
Josiah Strong (5-10, So, PG). This is my fourth time watching the Rebels but my first time seeing Strong on the varsity court. He entered the game, hit a three, rotated the ball well, and played solid. Young guy though and he had a couple oops plays on the Target Center floor but that was nerves more than it was ability.
Theo John (6-ft-9, Jr, C). John had a nice match-up with Iowa senior big Tony Bonner who is 6-foot-8 and heavier. Bonner scored on Theo three times early but John responded with a massive block swatting at the box before the ball was on its decline, John had a really nice reverse finish with his non-dominant hand, and he made a foul shot. Theo is the biggest reason that the Rebel zone worked so well as he spread his arms, took up a ton of space, and intimidated players from attacking or passing into his space. In the second half Theo faced up and put it down for a score and then faced up and hit a 16 footer. When Bonner got tired Theo put the big hand up, held off his man, caught, scored with a nasty two hand dunk ignore the helping defender.
Aaron Kloeppner (6-ft-4, Sr, SG). Made an impact at the arc once again hitting three first half triples. Kloeppner does a great job moving without the ball either sprinting to his spot in transition or moving around screens to get into space against chasing defenders. Scored early with the touch at the arc and then had three active baskets moving without the ball into position. This basketball/baseball MIAC combo guy is likely on the radar of many and should continue to be going forward.
DJ Hunter (6-3, Jr, Wing). Hunter did a nice job defending at the top of the arc in the Rebel 1-3-1 zone chasing the ball and taking away any attack middle or a quick pass to the high post. Scored six first half points in an active way moving off the ball. Liked the DJ Hunter work rate. Ran the floor, missed his shot, chased down the carom and with a quick one hand he placed the ball back through before the defense reacted. Really like how he runs the floor which led him to double figures. Young man is understanding that working hard off the ball and working smart off the ball can get a guy 7-10 points a game if done right.
McKinley Wright (6-1, Jr, G). Wright was at times denied in a box and one but that made things worse as it took away a defender from the Rebel ball movement and when Wright did get the ball, he blew by the defender and created opportunity for others with his attack and kick. Also continues to rebound as well as any guard you will see in Minnesota. One of the few guys that you will see on the low block in big school high basketball and he’s there because he makes hits and explodes to the ball. Wright also sits down with one of the deepest stances in the state and he can explode with either step equally well stopping the offense.