NHR Scout: St. Thomas Academy vs. Simley
Bloomington Jefferson slowly filled in tonight as Simley and St. Thomas Academy prepared to face each other on neutral ground. It became clear early that Jack Stensgard would be the man to stop for STA, just as he has been…
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Continue ReadingBloomington Jefferson slowly filled in tonight as Simley and St. Thomas Academy prepared to face each other on neutral ground. It became clear early that Jack Stensgard would be the man to stop for STA, just as he has been all season for any Simley opponent. STA, on the other hand, won just seven games in the regular season and have made a nice little section run off of team play under first-year coach Tyler Biwan. The first half was fairly low-scoring, yet close, as each team had vastly different scoring philosophies; Stensgard had 15 of 23 Simley points at the break, yet STA led with 24.
The second half stayed tight as Simley began to spread out the scoring; Jake BInley hit several shots as Stensgard cooled off. But as the STA crowd yelled “shoot it,” the Cadets struggled to get shots off while Simley capitalized and built a lead as large as eight points. Some late-game heroics from Joe Harvey as he hits a 3 to pull the game within 3 with four seconds left, but Sam Vujovich stays solid at the line and Simley wins, 49-44.
PLAYER NOTES
Jack Stensgard, Simley — Simply dynamic for Simley. Stensgard started off with a 3 well beyond the perimeter that looked like someone who is a Steph Curry fan; he followed with jumpers in traffic and slashes to the hoop. He’s extremely slippery and finds ways to score even when he’s the focus of the defense. 21 total points, 15 of which were in the first half. D3s are hoping he doesn’t get an offer.
Nate Chaffee, STA — Big bruiser who sounds like he’s headed to Harvard to play football. What he lacks in touch he makes up for in strength; Nobody for Simley wanted any part of him down low. Quick enough to stay with Simley’s guards and protect the rim.
DeAndre Smith, Simley — 6-foot-3 undersized big who isn’t afraid to scrap down low. Works hard along with Snelling to provide post presence simply by being strong on the block. Two late FTs to keep the game out of reach.
Jake Binley, Simley — Sophomore who looks to be the next man up for Simley once Jack graduates. Made a nasty fadeaway jumper with contact that wowed the crowd. Emerged in the second half and took on some of the scoring load to relieve Stensgard. 13 pts.
Sam Vascellaro, STA — Sophomore who is about 6-foot-3 with a long wingspan. Very clearly still learning how to use his body and ability. He’s naturally strong and athletic, but his jumper needs some rhythm work and is pretty flat. Loved a baseline take that he had where he finger-rolled the ball into the hoop just before two STA defenders crashed into each other. I like his potential down the road, and he should be pretty good for STA his junior and senior years.
Jordan Snelling, Simley — Classic football kid who takes on a “worker role” (RJ term) down low and does just about everything except score. Rebounder, passer, etc. he tries and fills the rest of the stat sheet while Jack takes the scoring column.
Sam Schleper, STA — Junior who is a reliable piece for the Cadets. In the starting lineup and has earned that spot in the second half of the season. Known on this team for his defense and outside jumper if he likes the look.