Scouting Report: Division 3 Semifinals
Overview: Scottsdale Christian came into the tournament feeling slighted due to their seed… They were right. In the semifinals, they were able to dethrone the returning state champion who brought back many of the key players from last years state…
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Continue ReadingOverview: Scottsdale Christian came into the tournament feeling slighted due to their seed… They were right. In the semifinals, they were able to dethrone the returning state champion who brought back many of the key players from last years state title run. The scariest part about this team: They are loaded with young talent. In addition, Estrella Foothills shooting and post presence proved to be too much for the hustle and deep threat Winslow basketball team.
Estrella Foothills vs. Winslow:
Estrella largely dominated the second half as they came out of the gate hot. Grant Greabell hit three 3s early in the third quarter that sparked a run that Winslow could never recover from. Both teams play a very physical style of basketball; however, Estrella shot the ball at a much higher percentage as well as win the rebounding battle which drastically aided them in moving forward to the championship game against Scottsdale Christian.
Key Players
Rex Greabell 6’6″ C 2016 – Rex has been a standout player for Estrella Foothills for quite awhile. His ability to rebound the basketball and finish around the rim have been well documented and are a huge reason as to why Estrella Foothills has made it this far.
Grant Greabell 6’1″ SG 2018 – Grant had a huge 3rd quarter that gave Estrella the energy they needed to take this one and keep it a double digit game the rest of the way. He has smooth shot and is an above average defender. He plays with a lot of grit.
Antaveus Brown 6’3″ SG 2016 – Brown is a top tier shooter. He did not have his best shooting night of the season; however, he hit multiple in this game that were crucial to the team’s success. His ability to shoot the basketball is vital to this team as it spaces the floor and gives Rex a lot of space on the block.3
Scottsdale Christian vs. Snowflake
Scottsdale has been led all year by solid play of freshman and some great senior leadership. This game was no different as the Reed Myers and Ethan Spry combined for 44 of the teams points. This was a tough match-up for Scottsdale as they were tasked with beating the returning state champions who possessed their best player from last years team; however, this group showed no intimidation and took on the challenge.
Key Players:
Reed Myers Scottsdale Christian 6’0″ G 2019 – Myers has been incredible this whole season. In this particular outing, he led all scorers with 24 points and had 7 assists as well. He is a great prospect and it will be interesting to see how his stock grows with his age.
Ethan Spry Scottsdale Christian 6’6″ C 2019 – Spry finished the game with 18 points and 5 rebounds. He is a beast on the block and overwhelms teams. It will be interesting to see how he matches up with the talent of Estrella Foothills Rex Greabell.
Samuel Ortega Scottsdale Christian 6’3″ G/F 2016 – Ortega has been a huge X-Factor for this team all season and his 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists were of great value in this close match-up. Look for him to play vital minutes in the State championship later this evening.
Corbin Lenderink Scottsdale Christian 6’4″ G/F 2016 – Lenderink did not have the same scoring production that he usually has; however, his ability to distribute the basketball was very important this game. His six assists, many of them coming at timely moments, were critical to this team’s success in the semifinals.
Brad Swetonic Scottsdale Christian 6’5″ PF/C 2016 – Swetonic was the X-Factor of the game for sure as he had great production by providing Scottsdale Christian with a much needed presence on the boards. His double-double was monumental, and he will need to have a similar X-Factor performance in the championship.
Jordan Gardner 6’2″ F/C 2016 Snowflake – Gardner has been a monster on the glass and in the paint for this team all season. His ability to finish around the rim was huge for this team as fellow teammate Kurt Wood was able to get by the first man and dump it off to Gardner in the lane.
Kurt Wood 6’4″ PG 2016 Snowflake – Wood has been the most important player to this team for the past two years. His ability to impact a game is huge. He has great size, length, and a very high basketball IQ. He is a capable scorer; however, he is more comfortable getting into the lane and finding the help side rotations man.
Kegan Bjornn 6’1″ PF 2016 Snowflake – Bjornn played a similar role to Gardner as he was critical on the glass for this team. In addition, his skill set was brought out in large part to the ability of Wood to get into the lane and create.