Ten Best: Blackhawk Christian at Adams Central
Game Recap: Blackhawk Christian at Adams Central Blackhawk was in control of this game from the tip until the final buzzer. Central sat back in a 2-3 zone for the entire game in an attempt to slow Blackhawk down in…
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Continue ReadingGame Recap: Blackhawk Christian at Adams Central
Blackhawk was in control of this game from the tip until the final buzzer. Central sat back in a 2-3 zone for the entire game in an attempt to slow Blackhawk down in the open court. Blackhawk only attempted one three in the first quarter and took a 21-9 lead into the second. In the second quarter they hit a series of 4 threes in a row and were up 37-21 at the half.
Coming out of the half, the calls started tightening up and Blackhawk found themselves in a little foul trouble early. Central was shooting the 1-1 late into the third quarter and would continue to get to the line for the rest of the game, to no avail. Blackhawk was able to quiet the run that Central made in the third quarter to pull away with a 75-45 win.
MVP: Lucas Kroft (Blackhawk Christian)
Lucas Kroft was the focus of the offense early and often for Blackhawk, for good reasons. The 6’4” combo guard worked around the inside of the zone and caused issues all night. He finished with a game high 21 points (10-12 2FG and 1-1 FT), 3 defensive rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. He runs the floor with his hands ready for the catch and his skill set was unmatched on the floor last night. His handle on the ball made it look easy when he was around the basket and his ability to finish with both hands lead to his superb shooting from the floor. He was in complete control of his game and the Blackhawk offense last night.
Best Offensive Performance: Drake Thompson (Blackhawk Christian)
Quietly, Drake Thompson also performed fantastically from the floor. The 6’8” junior finished with 16 points (6-7 2FG and 4-4 FT), game high 8 rebounds (5 defensive and 3 offensive), 2 assists, and 4 steals. Drake used his wide frame to clear space around the basket and was efficient when he got touches. There were a few possessions where Blackhawk lobbed the ball over the back line of the zone and Drake high pointed the ball and finished high. He was impressive running the floor and getting himself into position to score.
Best Defensive Performance: Jalan Mull (Blackhawk Christian)
Jalan Mull was a headache on the defensive end last night finishing with a game high 5 steals and 3 pass deflections. Mull was tasked with Johnny Carroll, Adams best player, and he shut him down all night. He made things difficult for Adams Central on the offensive end. They often ran plays away from him so that he wasn’t involved in the play. He has quick hands and is a very smart guard in terms of body positioning both on ball and off ball.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance: Johnny Carroll (Adams Central)
Johnny Carroll had to work for everything that he got last night. He had to handle the Blackhawk press from start to finish and get the offense set up. He finished the game with 17 points (1-6 2FG, 3-7 3FG and 3-6 FT), 1 defensive rebound, and 2 assists. Carroll also buried a three-quarter court buzzer beater at the half for Adams Central. This may have been the most open shot he got all game. Carroll will be the workhorse for Central all season long and he will have to perform at a high level for Adams Central to be successful.
Best Player Off-The-Bench: Frank Davidson (Blackhawk Christian)
Frank Davidson was great for Blackhawk off the bench. The 6’4” sophomore wing finished the game with 16 points (3-4 2FG, 3-5 3FG, and 1-1 FT), 4 defensive rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, and 1 steal. Davidson was instant offense against the zone. He found the open spots and knocked down his shots when they came to him. His length was also bothersome on the defensive end of the floor. Davidson will be an asset for his dad (Head Coach of Blackhawk) this season as Blackhawk looks to make a state title run.
Play of the Game: Jalan Mull and Lucas Kroft (Blackhawk Christian)
In the first quarter, Blackhawks defense forced a total of 6 turnovers but none were more impressive then the steal by Jalan Mull that ended in a dunk by Lucas Kroft. Mull poked the ball away and Kroft picked up the loose ball. He made a behind the back move at mid-court to shake a defender and finished strong at the rim with a one-handed flush. Mull continued to force turnovers all night and Kroft’s athleticism and ball handling was on full display on this play.
https://twitter.com/Tony_Or_Anthony/status/811614370220376065
Best Intangibles: Kevin Brown (Adams Central)
Kevin Brown did a lot of little things last night that went un-noticed by most. Although Adams Central didn’t win the game, Brown did everything he could to help win. He was the body down low moving people out on rebounds and seemed to be in the right place on the offensive end as well. He finished with 13 points (2-4 2FG and 3-7 3FG), 3 assists, and 2 steals. His knowledge of the game will help him develop into a good high school basketball player as he is still a sophomore.
Best Rebounder: Drake Thompson (Blackhawk Christian)
Drake Thompson is a big force down low with nimble footwork. His hands also make it possible for him to grab rebounds out of the air with one hand. Drake finished with a game high 8 rebounds (5 defensive and 3 offensive). The only thing that kept Drake from a double-double was playing time due to the big lead. Thompson has continued to build upon his size and skills to become the player he is today. Keep an eye out for him as the season progresses.
Best Underclassmen: Lucas Kroft (Blackhawk Christian)
Lucas Kroft is one of the most talented sophomores in the state with a passion and drive that is unmatched. His ability to find the openings on the offensive end and use his athleticism and IQ on the defensive end set him apart in the Class of 2019. He is a 6’4” guard that can play the point and a power forward position. He has a sweet stroke from the outside and his toughness and athleticism allow him to finish around the rim with both hands very well. He is an up and coming talent in Fort Wayne and will be on the radar of many collegiate programs soon.
https://prephoops.com/2016/12/prospect-spotlight-lucas-kroft-2019/
Biggest Takeaway: Well Deserved No. 1 Ranking in Class A
After watching Blackhawk dominate the game against Adams Central, it is obvious that they are deserving of the No. 1 position in Class A basketball in Indiana. Blackhawk has length, talent, athleticism, a deep bench, and unselfish players. They will be a force to stop in the class this season and have everything they need to make a deep run in the post season. Look for Blackhawk to be the favorite to win state this year in Indiana.