Fab Five: Preble Shawnee v. Middletown Madison
In a matchup of experience versus youth, the upperclassmen-laden Preble Shawnee Arrows prevailed 42-33 over Middletown Madison. With the road win, Preble Shawnee improved their record to 13-6. Also, they are now the Southwestern Buckeye Conference champions. The contest was…
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Continue ReadingIn a matchup of experience versus youth, the upperclassmen-laden Preble Shawnee Arrows prevailed 42-33 over Middletown Madison. With the road win, Preble Shawnee improved their record to 13-6. Also, they are now the Southwestern Buckeye Conference champions.
The contest was close throughout, but Middletown Madison never went on a signature run to take control. Preble Shawnee’s three-point shooting was the key.
Preble Shawnee’s rotation is almost entirely juniors, making their chances for back-to-back league titles a story going forward. On the other side, Middletown Madison’s best player is a 6’5” wing Grant Whisman. Furthermore, Whisman, the league’s leading scorer, is surrounded by fellow freshmen and sophomores.
Now, let’s check out the Fab Five individual performances from Friday night…
MVP: Kevin Ketring (Preble Shawnee)
Ketring, one of the few seniors on the court, was feeling it from deep. Madison played a 2-3 zone almost the entire night. The defensive alignment meant that Preble Shawnee could get a three-pointer any time they wanted it. Ketring, a 6’1” guard, took advantage from way deep atop the key and converted five triples. He finished with 20, including five crucial free throws in the fourth.
just banked home a half-court shot to end the half, but he didn't get it off in time. He's feeling it though. #ShootersShoot
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) February 11, 2017
Best offensive performance: Joey Bates (Preble Shawnee)
Although the Arrows’ leading scorer was more of a facilitator, Bates did have 11 points. Bates, a 6’3” junior, was most impactful in the high post. Against the zone, Bates played in that sweet spot. He was aggressive when he caught, which opened the floor for shooters in the fourth quarter.
2018 @joeybates33 has been very effective in the high post for PS. Not looking to pass, seeking contact.
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) February 11, 2017
Best prospect: Grant Whisman (Middletown Madison)
The 6’5” freshman wing is a Division I prospect. Whisman can score the ball at all three levels, and is currently most dangerous with the mid-range jumper. Whisman can use either hand to finish. Long arms, which allowed him to affect the game on defense in passing lanes and to contest shots. He’s likely to grow, being that he’s barely 15 years old. What’s most impressive is his feel — the game just seems to move in slow motion when he has the ball, which was especially noticeable when he seamlessly moved past leaping defenders with the pump-fake.
Under the radar performance: Ryan Duritsch (Middletown Madison)
The 6’6” sophomore post player showed a nice post move in the second quarter that began around the three-point line. Nice mobility for his size, and decent leaping ability. In limited minutes, Duritsch played with energy. High-low post play between Duritsch and Whisman will be hard to stop in a year or so.
Other: Ethan Limon (Middletown Madison)
The Mohawks’ best quarter was the third, and it was kick-started by Limon’s energy. Although he goes airborne too often, Limon is an excellent passer. He finished with just three points, but Limon definitely added a spark.