NHR Commentary: Orioles cap a perfect regular season
The Maple Grove Crimson did everything they could to create a homecourt advantage for their team facing the number one ranked Osseo Orioles, the neighboring rival. A packed gymnasium was filled with Crimson t-shirts in every direction and the energy…
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Continue ReadingThe Maple Grove Crimson did everything they could to create a homecourt advantage for their team facing the number one ranked Osseo Orioles, the neighboring rival.
A packed gymnasium was filled with Crimson t-shirts in every direction and the energy in the building is something the kids competing will never forget. It was a fantastic rivalry atmosphere, and Osseo handled it brilliantly.
Every thought I had during the gym centered back to Head Coach Tim Theisen and how he has this team playing. Offensively the floor spacing is perfect, activity away from the ball is constant, ball movement early in the possession had the defense shifting out of position and fighting through obstacles, and then came the ball screens that led to open lanes to the rim throughout the game.
Point guard Allen Anderson understands the pace at which his team needs to play. The reads he makes on the first pass and the eventual returns are all done to set up the defense for his eventual attack, and his patience into an attack ranks with the best in the state.
Anderson uses the ball screen to get into space like an experienced veteran and his decisions off the screen must have a success rate of around 80 percent when it comes to his team getting a good shot. In transition Anderson is smooth, controlled, and then deadly when he hits the acceleration.
Anderson has a balanced group of weapons to work with as well. Inside Kameron Bettie is a 6-foot-3 frontcourt player but he has success because he moves without the ball so well and he uses his length in space to complete plays over bigger players (scored a dozen).
Senior wing Dontae Jones looks statistically like the fifth option of the starting group but tonight he was second or third. Jones only had a few looks at the arc but he drained them both and the senior looks comfortable scoring on the move. Zach Theisen is the team’s leading scorer but he only had one field goal before leaving the game with an ugly ankle injury.
Defensively Osseo completely froze the Crimson. Their ball pressure and immediate support forced Brad Davison into nine turnovers and the mix of pressure from Damario Armstrong and Kyle Williams was well planned. Both sat deep in stances and made every dribble and shot attempt from Davison a tough task. Brad is one of the state’s best players so he had his 20 points, nine boards, and handful of assists but the Orioles mad him earn every piece.
The Orioles held Reed Nikko to three field goals, limited Taron Pickford to four scores, and before getting injured Theisen was able to keep Jack Hutchison scoreless. That is three Maple Grove players that average double figures and none of them hit that mark tonight.
Tim Theisen’s defensive teachings and his casual mix of full court pressures and a few zones were put in perfectly to throw the Crimson off. Armstrong seemed to excel on defense in whatever way Coach Theisen asked.
A 26-0 record for the Orioles is another piece of a near perfect year for Armstrong. The former Maranatha Christian Academy standout was a part of the state championship football team and earned several individual honors for his play. Now on the basketball court his team is undefeated and Damario is both the lead defender and one of the team’s top scorers. Davison is a physical guard but Armstrong matched that strength plus his deep stance and quick lateral steps forced Davison to work even harder for his numbers.
Armstrong scored 14 points this evening combining a couple treys with basket attacks. Also, if you are talking about hard work and defensive efforts you have to provide the names of juniors John Bezdicek and Matt Bezedicek. The pair made unlimited effort plays and when Osseo went to their bench both brought the needed energy.
The entire mix of talent has Osseo at 26-0 entering the playoffs. Considering they have yet to lose and have a nice resume of wins it’s a been a no-brainer for Northstar Hoops Report to put them at number one in the Class AAAA rankings. They’ve earned it.
That’s not to say we expect to win the state tournament. Honestly it’s too close to call when are forced to try and pick a mid-March winner. Hopkins and Apple Valley are right there and let’s not forget that this Crimson team took Apple Valley to overtime in St. Cloud while Osseo beat Maple Grove by 18 tonight.
What is our point? Our point is that Osseo is very good. Our point is that Osseo is well coached. Our point is that Osseo has a team full of competitors. And our point is that they are a contender right there with the other top teams entering section play.