Prep Hoops 10 Best: Eaglecrest vs. Smoky Hill
AURORA — Colbey Ross had been frustrated much of the night. The reigning Gatorade player of the year had managed only nine points through the first three quarters against Smoky Hill on Friday night, had picked up a technical foul…
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Continue ReadingAURORA — Colbey Ross had been frustrated much of the night.
The reigning Gatorade player of the year had managed only nine points through the first three quarters against Smoky Hill on Friday night, had picked up a technical foul and had struggled to get his hands on the ball in the face of stifling defense from Kyle Cabs.
But the fourth quarter is when big-time players step up. After going 10-for-10 at the free-throw line in the final frame, Ross had a chance to be the hero with time ticking down and trailing by one point.
“I just knew I had to get a shot off,” the Eaglecrest star said.
With a perfectly executed stepback 3-pointer, Ross stunned Smoky Hill and led Eaglecrest to a 64-63 victory in a Centennial League thriller.
The game came complete with an electric atmosphere, buoyed by a sold-out crowd that included Denver Nuggets point guard Emmanuel Mudiay.
The Raptors improved to 11-3 and 5-1 in the Centennial. The Buffaloes dropped to 11-4 and 4-2.
Sadly, we have to wait until Feb. 15 for a rematch of what was one of the best games we’ve seen since Prep Hoops Colorado came onto the scene in June of 2015.
For now, let’s settle for a look back at the action:
MVP: Colbey Ross, Eaglecrest
It wasn’t the most fluid night for the Pepperdine-bound guard. Smoky Hill has done a solid job for much of this season limiting an opponent’s top scorer. They put the clamps on Mullen guard Matteo Busnardo last week and followed with a blanketing job on Arapahoe’s Kyle Lukasiewicz on Wednesday. For much of the night, it was the same formula with Ross. But big players rise up in the big moments, and Ross, who scored 13 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, was clutch. He was perfect at the line, and his stepback 3-pointer to win the game will be at the top of the highlight film that covers a decorated high school career.
Offensive Player of the Game: Kenny Foster, Smoky Hill
Speaking of big players stepping up in big games, Foster did exactly that. The Buffaloes trailed 30-22 coming out of halftime. That’s when Foster went to work. He nailed a couple of mid-range jump shots. He attacked the basket and finished in transition. He skied for rebounds and began the break. During what was one of the best third quarters of his young career, the 6-5 sophomore guard led the Buffs to a 22-7 advantage that helped them take a 44-37 lead into the fourth quarter. Foster finished with 22 points.
Defensive Player of the Game: Will Becker, Smoky Hill
Nothing came easy for the Raptors in the paint on Friday night. What else would you expect against the best rim protector in the state. Becker, who had battled foul trouble in Smoky Hill’s win over Arapahoe on Wednesday, steered clear of it Friday and was a force on the defensive end. Eaglecrest managed only seven points in the game-swinging third quarter, and Becker’s handful of blocks in the period played a key role.
Play of the Game: Colbey Ross, Eaglecrest
Is there any question?
Great atmosphere, great game between @SmokyHillHoops and @EaglecrestHoops, and a great shot. Props to both teams, the fans, and @cdot_ross pic.twitter.com/C3c3OzB7Vq
— Tellus Truesdale (@trues10) January 21, 2017
Dunk of the Game: John Harge, Smoky Hill
Was there any question?
By now you have all seen @cdot_ross' game-winner, but did you catch @jharge23's dunk? pic.twitter.com/v9x1UFc43J
— Prep Hoops Colorado (@PrepHoopsCO) January 21, 2017
Best Intangibles: Morgan Brown, Eaglecrest
The 6-4 junior forward helped the Raptors build an eight-point first-half lead with pure energy off the bench. Brown is quick and athletic and can fly to the basket. He’s still early in his development as an organized basketball player, but he teems with potential. He was Eaglecrest’s second-leading scorer with 12 points, the bulk coming from sheer hustle. Brown is an intriguing player to watch as he grows under the tutelage of coach John Olander’s and the rest of the program’s experienced coaching staff.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance: Kyle Cabs, Smoky Hill
As we mentioned above, Cabs was the player who spent the most time on Ross. He face-guarded the Eaglecrest star for much of the game, making him work for every catch. Cabs also hit two big free throws late in the game that helped the Buffs stay in front all the way through Ross’ stunning game-winner. Cabs can bring a lot to the table with his length and his energy. As he continues to strengthen his jump shot and bolster his court awareness, the 6-5 junior will certainly be a player to watch.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance, Part II: Jayme Rich, Eaglecrest
The 6-0 senior hit two big 3-pointers in the game — one in the first half, one in the second — that really seemed to swing momentum in favor of the Raptors. For the most part Rich played with good control during his time on the floor. He’s made big strides as a senior and will be an important figure for this team down the stretch. Victor Garnes (11 points) was also a big factor off the bench as the Eaglecrest sixth man.
The Story Going Forward For Eaglecrest: Centennial frontrunners?
The Raptors now control their own destiny in the race for the hotly contested Centennial League crown. With eight games to go, Eaglecrest has a direct line on the title. There are still games left against Grandview and Smoky Hill, so the road is far from easy, but the experience and levelheadedness the Raptors displayed in the fourth quarter Friday shows this experienced team is ready for anything that comes its way.
The Story Going Forward For Smoky Hill: Will the Buffs learn from the pain?
There is no doubt the sting of a heartbreaking loss burned deep in the guts of Smoky Hill players and coaches last night. This is all new territory for a team that won only four games last season and has proven itself among the state’s most talented. Talent is only part of the equation, though, when it comes to winning tightly contested games against good teams. Coaches at all levels preach to players that learning to win is a process that often involves the kind of pain the Buffs felt burning Friday night. How they respond and grow from that pain will dictate the path their season forges from here.