Ten Best: Toledo City Championship
Last night’s Toledo City Championship featured a back-and-forth in the fourth quarter between Rogers and Bowsher. For the third time this season, Bowsher came out victorious in this matchup of cross-town rivals, by a score of 70-60. Plenty of next-level…
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Continue ReadingLast night’s Toledo City Championship featured a back-and-forth in the fourth quarter between Rogers and Bowsher. For the third time this season, Bowsher came out victorious in this matchup of cross-town rivals, by a score of 70-60.
Plenty of next-level prospects competed in the game. However, one of them, Bowsher’s 6’5” senior, Darryl Robinson, was unable to play because of a suspension. After receiving two technical fouls in the semi-finals, Robinson is also ruled out of their first OHSAA postseason game against Perrysburg.
The absence meant that other role players would have to shoulder some of Robinson’s scoring responsibilities, which they did. Let’s take a look at those individual performances in this game’s Ten Best…
MVP: Dalonte Brown (Bowsher)
The Miami (OH) commit flipped the switch from “reluctant” to “aggressive” early in the second quarter. From that point on, Brown was living in the lane or at the free throw line, where he went 10-13. He finished with 29 total points, some of which were uncontested because the Ram defenders weren’t able to cut him off.
Defensively, Brown was contesting and rejecting lay-up attempts all night. Most importantly, when Rogers guard, TQ Belcher, found his rhythm in the fourth, Brown stepped up and shut him down for the final three minutes.
Best offensive performance: Dalonte Brown (Bowsher)
Best defensive performance: Bryce Mitchell (Bowsher)
Mitchell, a Toledo football commit, was tasked with guarding Christian Smith, arguably Rogers best offensive option. Although Smith took advantage once he got the ball, Mitchell was impressive in denying him. The senior also utilized his superior athleticism on the glass.
Best unsigned prospect: Christian Smith (Rogers)
As mentioned, Smith wasn’t able to overcome the defensive attention most of the night. It’s something he must improve — being clever with off-ball movement and getting open. Once he caught, usually at the wing, Smith was effective. He has a very smooth jumper, good court vision, and a nice back-to-the-basket game. PHO has the 6’6” wing ranked #42 in the junior class, and foresees him competing at the Division II level.
X-Factor: TQ Belcher (Rogers)
There was a moment in the early fourth where it appeared Belcher was going to steal the show. He single-handedly took their only lead in the second half with a deep three and a reverse lay-up. However, when Belcher couldn’t get a shot up in the late fourth, Rogers’ chances of winning sunk with him.
Sixth man: Ajai Washington (Bowsher)
Only the starters scored for Bowsher. However, with Mitchell fouling out, Washington had to close the game for the Rebels. Playing a lead guard type role, Washington only turned it over once all night.
Best underclassman: Ketaan Wyatt (Rogers)
The freshman point guard was poised throughout the night. It will be interesting to see him take the reigns from senior Dru Pettigrew next season. Wyatt wasn’t afraid to shoot in big moments, but he must work on the jumper.
Under-the-radar performance: Dru Pettigrew (Rogers)
Unfortunately, Pettigrew exited the game late in the fourth with an apparent head injury. Beforehand, Pettigrew was able to create offense. His points always seemed to come at moments when the Rams were on a cold-streak. The senior point guard finished with nine.
Other: Antonio Carter (Bowsher)
The senior guard was deadly in transition, where he spotted up around the three-point line. He delivered with demoralizing three-pointers. Carter finished with 18 total points, most of which came in the second half.
Looking forward: If Bowsher can survive their first round game without Robinson, likely their second best player, they could be dangerous in the Division I Toledo District. They would likely matchup with Whitmer or Lima Senior in the District semi-finals on March 9. Besides Lima Senior wing, Keaton Upshaw, there’s nobody on that side of the bracket who can match Brown’s athleticism.
Between Rossford, Toledo Central Catholic, and (especially) Wauseon, Rogers is going to have a difficult time in their District. They’ll need Belcher to stay hot and carry them with his scoring ability.