Prep Hoops 10 Best: Eaglecrest vs. George Washington, 5A Championship
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Colbey Ross went out on top.
One of the most productive players in recent Colorado high school history ended his career with a championship by leading Eaglecrest to a state championship with a 53-47 victory over George Washington on Saturday night at the Denver Coliseum.
It was also a dream ending for John Olander, who was coaching his last game at Eaglecrest after a 25-year career as a prep coach.
In true Eaglecrest fashion, the Raptors did it by overcoming a nine-point deficit in the second half, overcoming a swarming defense by George Washington to prevail.
Here’s our final 10 Best from a truly remarkable high school season:
MVP: Colbey Ross, Eaglecrest
The 6-1 Pepperdine-bound point guard had a game-high 15 points, four rebounds and four assists, and he came up with his biggest plays in the biggest moments. The Patriots did a phenomenal job shadowing Ross for much of the game. But the best players step up in the biggest games, and Ross always seemed to answer the bell when the Raptors needed him to.
Best Offensive Performance: Ikenna Ozor, Eaglecrest
The 6-5 senior forward was excellent during the entire tournament, and Saturday he proved himself a strong finisher in transition. He scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting and added five offensive rebounds. The unsigned senior would be a great addition for a small-college program because of his motor and toughness, and his offensive skill set continues to expand.
Defensive Player of the Game: Jon’il Fugett, George Washington
The 5-11 junior guard showed why he was arguably the state’s best perimeter defender this season. He played a big part in George Washington limiting Eaglecrest to just 29.6 percent shooting in the first half. Fugett is in for a monster senior season when he takes over the full-time point guard role.
Play of the Game: Ross
The Raptors had already trimmed a nine-point lead to one point in the third quarter. As the final seconds of the period ticked down, Ross eyed the rim as he dribbled near the 3-point line. Just before the buzzer, he pulled up and buried the trey, giving the Raptors a 33-32 lead. It was the momentum Eaglecrest needed heading into the fourth quarter, where they peeled off a 9-0 run to grab control of the game.
Key Run: Eaglecrest
The aforementioned run happened in a flash, and it was fueled by defense. The Raptors turned steals into fastbreak points. Victor Garnes finished a tough 3-point play to get things started, and Ozar capped the run with a tough finish of his own. George Washington got within four points in the final seconds, but the big run to start the fourth proved too much to overcome.
Most Improved: Tray Pierce, George Washington
The future appears bright for the 6-8 junior forward. He was a monster in the tournament, gaining confidence with each big game he played in. Pierce is asserting his considerable length and athleticism on the glass in a way we just didn’t see last year. Keep a close eye on him this spring and summer, as he’s sure to see his stock rise. He finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds in the title game.
Best Under-the-Radar Performance: Victor Garnes, Eaglecrest
The athletic 6-0 junior was everywhere on the court. He finished with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists, and he was a force defensively while helping to limit the effectiveness of the talented George Washington backcourt.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance, Part II: Mohammad Diallo
His big shot to close the first half gave George Washington a 22-16 lead. The lengthy 6-5 forward finished with eight points and two rebounds. He figures to be a big part of the Patriots’ attack next season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ybuSfDXZxY
Final Thought On George Washington
It was a phenomenal season for a team that proved exciting to watch all season. They gelled as a team and played high-energy, unselfish basketball. “We restored the pride to George Washington,” coach Reggie Hammonds said. “We’ll be back next year.”
Final Thought On Eaglecrest
The Raptors never panicked this season. Down never meant out, and that’s the true mettle of a championship team. Ross wasn’t going to let his career, or that of his coach, end any other way than a state championship.