Ten Best: Huntington North at Homestead
As teams get their seasons started, many will be looking to establish their identity early-on in the season. Homestead vs. Huntington North was a case of two teams and 20 players trying to find their spot. Both teams struggled early…
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Continue ReadingAs teams get their seasons started, many will be looking to establish their identity early-on in the season. Homestead vs. Huntington North was a case of two teams and 20 players trying to find their spot. Both teams struggled early to get anything going offensively as there was a combined 17 points scored in the first quarter. The score at half was 17-16 in favor of Homestead. It wasn’t until the second half where the teams started to score more regularly and Homestead took a 33-24 lead into the final quarter of play. Huntington North made a strong effort in the fourth quarter nearly doubling their point total from the first three quarters. Homestead would hold on with free throws at the end of the game to notch a 48-44 victory.
MVP: Hunter Hollowell (Huntington North)
Even though the team fell short in the end, Hollowell was nothing short of spectacular for the majority of the game. He finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Huntington North looked to get him as many touches as possible and he had to work off many screens as Homestead was face guarding him from the tip. When he got space, he took full advantage of it.
Best Offensive Performance: Brandon Durnell (Homestead)
Aside from a few early three point attempts, Durnell was virtually unstoppable around the basket. He finished all but once inside of 15 feet and was 4 of 5 from the free throw line. He wasn’t the high point man for the night but was a threat to score when he was on the floor. Most of his points came in the second half and during crunch time.
Best Defensive Performance: Jake Archbold (Homestead)
The young freshman was impressive right from the start. Archbold has a strong, athletic build and was tasked with guarding Hollowell from the tip. From the get-go, he was all over him. He made it tough on Hollowell all night to get in a rhythm. He lead the Spartans in steals and was a headache all night long. I really liked his effort and can see high potential early.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance: Brandon Durnell (Homestead)
Durnell was facing foul trouble early on that kept him on the bench for almost the entire second quarter. Even with the limited minutes, Durnell was still able to come in and make a quiet but major impact on the game. He finished the game with 18 points and 7 rebounds. He was most effective around the basket as he used his wide frame and athleticism to finish through contact and over defenders.
Best Player Off-The-Bench: Mitchell Geller (Huntington North)
The 6’6” junior came off the bench and gave Huntington North some very good minutes. He finished with 4 points but was able to grab 7 rebounds. He was consistently in the mix for rebounds and big plays. He played good post defense when it was required from him and can guard on the perimeter. He may be an under the radar kid now but may become a key player for Huntington North as the season continues.
Play of the Game: Jack Ferguson (Homestead)
Ferguson battled foul trouble in the early going which kept him sidelined for most of the first half but was an instant impact in the second half. Early in the second half Jack got a rebound and pushed the ball up the floor, made a quick move to get space, and drilled a three from the volleyball line. At that moment, the fans finally had a little life to them and the game began to pick up. Came back down the floor on the next possession and hit another three from the exact same spot.
Best Intangibles: Jake Archbold (Homestead)
It’s hard for a freshman to come and make an impact early in high school basketball but Archbold made a huge one last night. He used his athleticism and IQ to be a stopper on the defensive end and rebounded the ball very well. He had a terrific game for a freshman tasked with guarding one of the best scorers in the area.
Best Rebounder: Hunter Hollowell (Huntington North)
This was an all around effort by Hollowell. He wasn’t in the mix early in terms of rebounding but took over the glass in the second half. He used his long frame (6’5”) and his experience to grab 10 rebounds throughout the night.
Best Underclassmen: Zach Daugherty (Huntington North)
Although Zach wasn’t the leading scorer or a stat sheet stuffer, he was consistent all night. He lead the Vikings offense from start to finish. The sophomore guard was in control of the ball and the offense. It was obvious that he was comfortable with the ball in his hands to start possessions and will be a big piece for Huntington North moving forward.
Biggest Takeaway: Homestead Missed Manges
Homestead has three seniors who have been playing together both in high school and on the AAU circuit for four years. Although Homestead pulled out the win last night, they will be much better once they get Parker Manges back in the lineup. With Ferguson and Durnell in foul trouble last night, it would have been nice to have had his experience and scoring ability on the floor in the first half. Huntington North will need some of their players (Daugherty brothers, Bruce, and Geller) to step up and be threats as the season progresses but will be a tough team night in and night out.