Ten Best: Apple Valley vs Champlin Park
In the match-up of top guards it was the frontcourt talent that made all the difference. McKinley Wright and Tre Jones were the opposing lead guards and both put up huge numbers: McKinley scored 27 points with 11 rebounds, and 8…
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Continue ReadingIn the match-up of top guards it was the frontcourt talent that made all the difference. McKinley Wright and Tre Jones were the opposing lead guards and both put up huge numbers: McKinley scored 27 points with 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, Tre Jones totaled finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists.
On the wing both teams got solid contributions. The Rebels picked up another big defensive effort from Marcus Hill plus 10 points and Josiah Strong hit for 14 points (DJ Hunter and Brian Smith had key plays as well). The Eagles countered with four treys from Ely Hendrickson for 14 points, Mohamed Kone scored 10, and Luke Martens 15.
So where were was the difference? The Eagles got more from the three point arc but got little to nothing inside. Meanwhile Marquette signed Theo John dominated the paint with 22 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocks. There was nothing in brown and gold that could match the impact John made inside and the Rebels walked out of the Breakdown Tip Off Classic a three score winner.
MVP: Theo John. As we detailed above, Theo was the difference in the game because Apple Valley had nobody that could match his production around the basket. 22 points and 17 rebounds inside that could not be countered by the Eagles.
Best Offensive Performance: McKinley Wright. Memories of this game will be several instances where the speed of McKinley Wright turned the corner on Tre Jones and Jones, a fantastic defender, just wasn’t able to keep McKinley in front enough which is why Wright had 27 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.
Best Defensive Performance: Marcus Hill. It was not that long ago that the Pioneer Press did an all defensive team and Defensive Player of the Year. If we had one now Hill would be right there. Such an impact player and doesn’t need the ball to do it. Scored 13 too.
Best Guy Off the Bench: Sam Dubois. Most of the impact guys were starters in this game but Sam had some key defensive moments and the crowd went wild when he hit a three.Team did too.
Best Under the Radar Performance: Ely Hendrickson. Set his feet, caught passes from Tre Jones, knocked out four treys to help the Eagles stay close in this game. A shooter of note, one of four that Apple Valley has.
Best Underclassmen: None. This is interesting. No underclassmen in this game as I don’t think Apple Valley used Mark Possis in the contest. Champlin Park has a fantastic JV with a ton of young talent but their senior class is so deep they don’t need much else besides Strong.
Best Story to watch Moving Forward: Rematch? Look at the numbers Tre and McKinley had. There is no doubt I would love to see them go at it at state again. Would be fantastic. A couple Apple Valley talented wings did not respond well to the pressure of this game. Maybe the will with three months experience.
Best Aspect of the Environment: McKinley vs Tre. Watching national rated lead guards at their best was just fantastic. It’s why we put these type of games together.
Best Prospect: Tre Jones. Tre certainly did his part. He had the 28/10/9 which was one assist away from a triple double. The five star lead guard is McDonald’s All American quality.
Other: Josiah Strong. Looking over the names Josiah is a guy we must mention. His shooting and toughness is a key component to what the Rebels do. We talked about AV having shooters on both wings all the time, but so does CP with Strong, Brian Smith, and a few others. Strong has been very consistent in these big games.