Scouting Report: Sunnyslope vs. Mesa (D1 Finals)
Overview: Sunnyslope jumped on the Jackrabbits of Mesa early as they opened up the first quarter with a 18-9 lead. In fact, they held a double digit lead at times in the first half. Due to how well Sunnyslope executes…
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Continue ReadingOverview: Sunnyslope jumped on the Jackrabbits of Mesa early as they opened up the first quarter with a 18-9 lead. In fact, they held a double digit lead at times in the first half. Due to how well Sunnyslope executes on offense and defense, this lead almost seemed insurmountable. Enter Drew Hatch of Mesa. Hatch hit big shot after big shot with two of the biggest plays being at the end of the 1st half. Hatch finished with 5 points in 30 seconds that cut Sunnyslope’s lead to 4 and gave Mesa all of the momentum going into the second half. Mesa would control the game for the majority of the second half due to the solid play of Mark Hatch and David Cummard. With that said, Mesa left the door open for Sunnyslope by missing 5 of 6 foul shots in the last minute thirty. Unfortunately, the Sunnyslope was unable to capitalize on the opportunity to tie the game with 5 seconds left and trailing by 3.
Sunnyslope
Abayev Allen 5’10” G 2018 – Alan is yet another big time Sophomore on a team loaded with young players. Allen is one of the better shooters on this team, and does a decent job of handling the basketball.
Kyle Fischer 6’2″ G/F 2018 – Fisher played huge minutes for Sunnyslope last night as he had a couple of crucial plays that kept Sunnyslope’s hopes alive. Fisher is a very skilled player offensively as he has length, can shoot the basketball from deep, crashes the glass well, and is capable of putting the ball on the floor. He has a great future at Slope.
Terrence Gilder 5’11” G 2018 – Gilder is a capable shooter, but also has an above average ability to attack the rim. He has a good motor and is decent on the glass. He has a very high ceiling.
Dane Maggi 6’4″ G/F 2016 – Maggi was the most important player for Sunnyslope last night as he hit some crucial shots in the first half to keep the team in the game. In addition, with Slope down by 7 with about 2 minutes left to play, Maggi finished off an “And 1” that put Sunnyslope in a position to possibly win the game. Throughout the season, he was second on the team in rebounds per game, but led them in assists and points. He will be greatly missed but should be able to play at the next level. He is a Division-II/NAI Division-1 player.
Bryson Mewhinney 5’10” G 2018 – Mewhinney has a solid handle and does a great job of changing pace and direction after making a move. Speed can be a gift and a curse for him; however, as he continues to grow as a player and continue to improve playing quick, but not being in a hurry, he will increase his value. He will be responsible for running the show for this Slope team for the next two seasons.
Chris Orozco 6’1″ G 2018 – Orozco places with a physicality that is far beyond a Sophomore level. He plays stout defense, rebounds the basketball well, and plays within himself on offense. He finishes well around the rim and displayed an ability to shoot the basketball from the mid-range.
Jaran Whitfield 5’10” G 2018 – Whitfield is a strong guard with a good handle. He has an understanding of what his role is on the team and in this group. Most importantly, he appears to be committed to that role which can be tough in such a deep group of Sophomores.
Mesa
David Cummard 6’0″ PG/SG 2016 – Cummard is a physcial player who has a smooth shot and a great ability to get into the lane due to his sheer toughness and grit. Defensively, he is as tough as they come. He is the type of player that gets underneath people’s skin throughout the entirety of the game because he does all of the little things that are vital to a team being successful and he never stops.
Darius Goudeau 6’4″ G/SF 2016 – Goudeau has been such a presence for Mesa during his time in the program due to his relentless work-ethic. He sets the tone and the standard for all of the players. His leadership and work ethic will be greatly missed. He should be able to play at the Division-II/NAIA Division-I level.
Drew Hatch – 6’4″ G/SF 2016 – Hatch is an impressive prospect due to his size, toughness, and ability to shoot it. He is not a guy that is easy to gameplan for due to his balanced style of play. Defenders must respect his shot, but he is more than capable of making a move, putting his shoulder down, and attacking the rim. Hatch is a high Division-II/NAIA Division-I player.
Mark Hatch – 6’0″ PG/SG 2016 – While Sunnyslope has a lot of Sophomores that should have their fans estatic, Mesa should feel the same about this young man. He is a talented player who has a lot of grit and composure. He was able to hit a huge mid-range jumper down the stretch that assisted in sealing the victory. He has a smooth rhythm and plays far beyond the level of an average Sophomore.