Five Takeaways: Derby-Junction City
Five Takeaways: Derby-Junction City
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The Derby Panthers pulled out a 73-68 win over Junction City in the second day of the McPherson Invitational Tournament and advanced to Saturday’s fifth-place game with the victory..
Tyler Brown led all scorers with 24 points while A.J. Dickerson added 22 and Xavier Cason went for 17.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at five things that stood out in the contest.
Brown (pictured) impresses in win
A year ago, Derby 2018 guard Tyler Brown was known for putting up big scoring numbers at Valley Center as the 6’1 guard averaged nearly 30 per game. But this season he has found his niche within a talented Derby roster. An underrated athlete, Brown can get to the rim off the bounce, shoot from the outside and impresses with his ability to move off the ball. He is capable of handling point guard duties or playing off the ball and is a competitor at the defensive ed of the floor. He is among the state’s most most impressive all-around guards in the senior class. On Friday, Brown went for 24 points on 6 for 10 shooting from the field and added five rebounds.
Dickerson raising his profile
Junction City 2019 guard A.J. Dickerson continues to impress this season and on Friday he showed the ability to do a little bit of everything. He has a strong, athletic frame and at 6’3 has good size for a 3 guard. He can handle it, creates his own shot well and can knock down outside shots. Dickerson has the ability to play above the rim a little and can put it on the floor and get to the basket off the bounce. He went for 22 points in the Blue Jays’ loss to Derby, shooting 9 for 17 from the field, 4 for 10 from 3 and added four rebounds, four assists and blocked three shots.
Mocaby shows his versatility
A Northern Kentucky recruit, Derby 2018 Bryant Mocaby is a talented wing player who is spending a lot of time playing in the paint at both ends of the floor this season. At 6’5, Mocaby has good size and athleticism and impresses with his ability to shoot from the outside. He shows good form and balance and has a repeatable shooting stroke from distance. On Friday, Mocaby had to muscle up and plays in the paint against a physical Junction City squad.
X marks the spot — in the paint
Junction City 2018 post Xavier Cason is some kind of load in the paint. He is a strong, physical 6’5 post player who has great handle, a soft touch around the basket and a willingness to mix it up in the paint. On Friday he scored 17 points and added a game-high 10 rebounds. He was 7 for 7 from the field and hauled in five offensive boards.
Westerhouse big off the bench
Junction City 5’9 2019 guard Kody Westerhouse came up big off the Junction City bench, knocking down four 3-pointers and scoring 12 points for the Blue Jays in 21 minutes of action. His play and production proved to be key in helping Junction City spread the floor and open up room for Cason, Dickerson and others to operate.