Duchesne vs. Ritenour: 10 Best
Duchesne and Ritenour met in the final game of the GAC-Suburban Challenge at Lindenwood University in St. Charles. In a battle of two teams with only one loss, Duchesne took control of the game from the outset and sprinted out…
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Continue ReadingDuchesne and Ritenour met in the final game of the GAC-Suburban Challenge at Lindenwood University in St. Charles. In a battle of two teams with only one loss, Duchesne took control of the game from the outset and sprinted out to a 75-67 victory. The Pioneers are a well-balanced unit that shared the basketball and created many high percentage shots. Duchesne had four players score in double figures, led by 2018 forward Luke Lowenstein with 23 points. Ritenour is a team that wants to play up-tempo basketball with its full court pressure and 3-point shooting.
Now for the 10 Best:
Most Valuable Player: Luke Lowenstein (Duchesne) – The burly 6’5″ 2018 dominated the paint with a game-high 23 points. Lowenstein is an ideal high school post player who can establish his position, catch the ball and finish around the basket. There’s nothing fancy about it, but it’s very effective. He was cash money around the basket all afternoon.
Best Offensive Player: Kobe Smith (Ritenour): A talented 6’4″ 2018 wing player, Smith had a very slow first half, but he came alive with 15 points in the second half. He has good size and a good offensive skill set. Smith showcased his 3-point shooting ability and he was able to score on the drive and play through contact.
Best Shooter: Robyion Hughes (Ritenour): A diminutive 5’8″ 2017 point guard, Hughes had the green light to shoot the 3-pointer and he fired them up at will throughout the game. He made five 3-pointers, including a couple from well beyond the 3-point line.
Best Passer: Cooper Tune (Duchesne): A stocky 6’1″ 2018 combo guard, Tune plays the game with excellent poise and savvy. He really knows how to deliver the rock to his teammates in nearly every situation. He found open cutters to the basket, he fed the low post and kicked out to open 3-point shooters. He rarely makes mistakes.
Toughest Competitor: Carl Garmon (Ritenour): A standout running back on the Huskies’ football team, the 6’0″ Garmon brought that kind of toughness and physical play to the basketball court. He scored a team-high 19 points, with many coming on strong drives to the basket where he finished through contact. He was also a tenacious defender.
Best Athlete: Mitchell Fairless (Duchesne): A 6’4″ 2018 jumping jack, Fairless finished the game with 17 points. He was very good on the drive and in transition, where he delivered a resounding slam dunk in the fourth quarter. He is a 6’8″ high jumper in track and field, so Fairless has excellent hops and he loves to show them off. He also moves well without the basketball.
Best Coaching Move: Duchesne coach Wade Bouslog is primarily a man-to-man coach, but he came out and employed a zone defense throughout the game, which forced the Huskies to remain on the perimeter. It really cut off the Huskies’ dribble penetration with its quick guards and forced them to settle for long jumpers.
Best Team Trait: Duchesne overall team balance was excellent with four players in double figures. Luke Lowenstein led with 23 points, Mitch Fairless had 17, 6’6″ 2018 Adam Moore had 16 points and Cooper Tune finished with 13. The Pioneers moved the ball well and everyone got to eat at the trough.