Fab Five: Edwardsville vs Triad
The first semifinal at the Salem Invitational between Edwardsville and Triad is the reason the state of Illinois needs a shot clock. It was 12-4 at halftime. No…really…it was. Triad held the ball forever in the first half with about…
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Continue ReadingThe first semifinal at the Salem Invitational between Edwardsville and Triad is the reason the state of Illinois needs a shot clock. It was 12-4 at halftime. No…really…it was. Triad held the ball forever in the first half with about 25 passes a possession. Edwardsville said we can play that game in the second half as they held it at one point for over three minutes to close out the third quarter. It picked up a little bit in the fourth quarter. Edwardsville star and top 10 2017 prospect Mark Smith played well and hit free throws down the stretch to give Edwardsville the 39-23 win. Here is our Fab 5: Edwardsville vs Triad breaking down Smith’s performance and more.
MVP
PG Mark Smith (Edwardsville – 2017)
The 6’4” point guard for Edwardsville played well. Against a team that’s game plan was to make the game as boring as possible and try to lull Edwardsville into a false sense of security he made sound decisions with the ball throughout the night, didn’t force bad shots after one long three attempt early, and played within himself. Smith had several nice dishes in the drive and kick. Also passes well when he posts up smaller defenders finding cutters on the other side of the floor. Got on the offensive glass for a put back. Closed out the first half with a physical and athletic drive to the hoop. We were impressed with Smith’s defense in this game. Granted it was against an extremely low level of competition. He was active with his hands, got in passing lanes, and took them the other way for transition buckets on several occasions. Down the stretch he drilled free throws with ease to close out the game. He had 22 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. High-major prospect.
Best passer
PG Noah Moss (Triad – 2017)
Moss is the only real offensive threat for Triad. The point guard handles it well in tight spaces. Likes to get in the lane and score with floaters over bigger defenders. Quality passer that makes good reads getting teammates involved. He had 9 points and 3 assists.
Best catch and shoot guy
SF Oliver Stephen (Edwardsville – 2017)
Stephen is a 6’4” wing that excels shooting it from deep. Plus shooter off the catch. Also had a slash to the hoop showing an aspect we don’t often see in his game. Stephen finished with 8 points. D2 prospect.
Best intangibles
PF Caleb Strohmeier (Edwardsville – 2018)
Strohmeier fought hard inside throughout the game. Got on the glass and had a layup inside. Hit some free throws. Just love the intangibles this kid brings to the table at 6’7” with toughness and the ability to play a face up four at the next level. Only 5 points in this low scoring contest. Should be on the low-major radar.
Best under-the-radar performance
PG Jack Marinko (Edwardsville – 2018)
Marinko is a sharp shooting point guard that moves well without the ball to get open. Plus shooter from the perimeter that can stroke it from three. He had 6 points.