Scouting Report: Mesa Mountain View at Gilbert (D1 Quarterfinals)
Overview: Heading into today’s first matchup of the day, many people knew this was going to be a major defensive matchup, and a chess match of a basketball game between two great programs & coaches. Gilbert led at the end of…
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Continue ReadingOverview: Heading into today’s first matchup of the day, many people knew this was going to be a major defensive matchup, and a chess match of a basketball game between two great programs & coaches. Gilbert led at the end of the first quarter 12-8. Gilbert held Mountain View scoreless for a number of minutes as the Toro faithful were anxiously awaiting some offensive action. At the same token the Toro’s weren’t doing a horrible job defending either. High scoring and efficient guard Tommy Kuhse of Mountain View wasn’t able to pull together games like we have seen him have in the past. However, he did enough to keep the Toro’s involved down the stretch. Heading into the fourth quarter the game was all tied up at 31 points, a real defensive purest’s type of game. For the Tigers of Gilbert, Chris Bowling led the way, as he finished the game hot with 25 points and did just enough for the Tigers to tie the game at toward the end of regulation forcing overtime as Kuhse’s three point heave was off the mark. In overtime the Tigers would control the tempo as Bowling had 9 of his 25 points in that extra period sending the Tigers to the final four with a 51-44 victory over Mesa Mountain View sending the Toro’s home early.
Mesa Mountain View:
Tommy Kuhse 6’2 Guard 2016- Kuhse had a tough night, shooting 2-12 from the field, and finishing with 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists & 3 steals for the night. This is not your typical Kuhse night however in the big time matchup tonight in the playoffs with the brightest of lights, he was slowed down by the Gilbert Tigers squad. Kuhse is a NAIA/D2 level prospect.
Zane Jowaiszas 6’5 Forward 2016- Jowaiszas picked up some of the scoring slack as he finished with 10 points, was able to hit some open teammates & used his size to scrape up a handful of rebounds. With good size Zane is a good fit at a 4 year school at some level.
John Trendler 6’8 Center 2016- Standing at 6’8 Trendler immediately stands out on the floor taking up space defensively and being a force on the glass. Trendier has 5 rebounds, & 9 points. With his size Trendler would be a nice fit at a NAIA/D3 school.
Jayton Brown 6’2 Guard 2016- Brown was 3-6 from the field tonight finishing with 9 points, shooting 50% from the field. Brown was the surprise player tonight for the Toro’s. All season long loyal Toro fans are aware of Brown’s ability to contribute to a game but tonight the state was able to see Brown is able to step up when need be. Sadly his strong contribution off the bench wasn’t enough for the Toro’s. Brown is a NAIA/Junior College prospect.
Curtis Hodges 6’8 Center 2017- Hodges had spot minutes off the bench, went 1-4 from the field, was able to get to the free throw line for a pair and rebounded decently well, wasn’t able to perform like we normally have seen him before. Hodges at 6’8 is an intriguing college prospect, look for him to continue to develop in the next year.
Nick Sessions 6’4 Forward 2017- Sessions had a rough night going 0-4 off the bench for the Toros. Sessions has pretty solid size and will continue to develop as a college prospect.
Gilbert:
Jacob Nicolds 6’6 Forward 2016- Nicolds was solid during the game, not his best performance but still did what he needed to do for the Tigers. He finished the game with 6 point, a rebound, 2 assists & 1 steal. Nicolds is a NAIA/D2 prospect.
Chris Bowling 6’7 Forward 2016- Bowling stole the show and was the MVP of the game. Bowling finished with 25 points, had a game tying shot and 9 point in overtime which sealed the deal for the Tigers sending them to the final four. Bowling was in the zone and when he gets going the Tigers have a chance to win. Bowling is a LM prospect who already is fielding division 1 interest from many schools.
Steven Newendyke 6’1 Guard 2017- Newendyke is a sharpshooting player for the Tigers who is much needed down the stretch and is key to a title run for the Tigers. Newendyke is a D3/NAIA prospect and will continue to develop over this next year as he gets quicker and adds more dynamics to his game.