Fab Five: Paris vs. Salt Fork
The matchup between Paris and Salt Fork to get into the championship game was all anyone could have asked for. Salt Fork got out to a very quick lead but Paris battled back on their home court. It was not…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe matchup between Paris and Salt Fork to get into the championship game was all anyone could have asked for. Salt Fork got out to a very quick lead but Paris battled back on their home court. It was not enough in the first and they began the second half down two.
Salt Fork was patient in attacking the zone of Paris and it translated into a vast majority of their points being layups off of their set plays. Paris late in the third quarter started to make some defensive plays though as they cut what was once a eight point lead down to tie it with just over two minutes left in the third. They got the lead for the first time just a minute later on a two point basket and never relinquished it moving onto the championship with the huge late surge to take the game 56-47.
Leading scorers: Paris: Chris Johnson 15, Salem Islaf 14, Zach Burger 14. Salt Fort: Caleb Fauver 12.
MVP: Chris Johnson (Paris)
Johnson was really good in this one as a potential small school prospect. He showed great court vision and a nice outside shot. He likes to get out and run and that put the pressure on Salt Fork in transition defense. He had a few good drives to the basket but really needs to improve on his finishing.
Best offensive performance: Caleb Fauver (Salt Fork)
Fauver showed a really nice jumper in the game and consistently hit it while his teammates struggled shooting a bit. He did not really drive in the game very much but his pull up jumper was money today.
Best defensive performance: Zach Burger (Paris)
Burger was impressive in this one as an undersized forward. He was everywhere for Paris and his strong defense really helped them out. It was nice to see Burger get after it with an energy unlike any other on the other end today.
Best Intangibles: Chris Johnson (Paris)
Johnson was the leader on the court on both ends. He played with an emotion that the coaches love. He got down on himself a little bit but still powered through it and made the best of it. He was full of energy and really kept his team in it when it looked bleak.
Best Takeaway: Paris struggled at the beginning of the game but really looked good in the second half. They have one of the best guards in the conference and Johnson showed it today. Salt Fork has an all-conference returnee with Fauver and he can really score the ball. For Salt Fork to score the ball this year it has to be through Fauver.