Hamilton Concerns Pop up in Key Win
In Hamilton’s 64-56 impressive win Saturday afternoon over Whitney Young several concerns emerged. It is important to remember to never devalue winning. The quality win on a large media stage deserves acknowledgment, but games against elite competition encourage deep evaluations.
What problems could plague Hamilton in the months to come? What are potential pitfalls Hamilton fans and family need to address or mask?
Perimeter Defense
The Hamilton Wildcats struggled to defend the lane. Disturbingly the quick Wildcat guards kept allowing Dolphin after Dolphin into the danger zone.
The painful perimeter defense kind of hints at a deeper problem. Hamilton fouled and fouled a lot. Most of the fouls were necessary and not rash. Because the Dolphins dashed to the low blocks virtually unabated exposed Wildcats needed to foul.
Defensive Rebounding
Hamilton fought and clawed for defensive rebounds. They simply lack the size of other elite teams. So, this concern will probably persist all January.
The home team did keep the rebounding tally close. In all Hamilton wrangled 34 rebounds to Whitney Young Dolphins’ 36 rebounds. On the offensive glass WYHS pulled down a troubling 13 offensive rebounds though.
It takes more than grit to dominate the defensive glass. Two players that need wonderful hauls each contest will be Martrell Brooks and Delvin White.
After the win Hamilton Head Coach Will Smith labeled Martrell Brooks his team’s heartbeat.
Strengths
Hot outside shooting helped (46.2%). Jordan Johnson hit 2-5 from deep and James De’Jesus buried 3-5 for a total of 11 points. Johnson scored 19 points total.
Full boxscore. Hamilton wins. pic.twitter.com/GZnDmcNwyc
— Prep Hoops Tennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) January 6, 2018
Conversely, Whitney Young missed 83.3% of their outside shots.
Speedy Wildcats
The Wildcats surged up the floor rather well. Even after made baskets the Wildcats clearly intended to out-run the visiting Chicago men. It worked pretty well throughout the game. As one of the smaller teams in the Penny Hardaway Hoopfest
Everybody on Hamilton flies up the floor. In fact, the first pass typically surpasses the center stripe. More than once a Hamilton forward launched a football-style pass in hopes of igniting the break.
Most of the afternoon that strategy worked for the victorious Wildcats.
Martrell Brooks led the team with eight assists. He nearly accomplished a triple-double. Brooks finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.
He won Player of the Game from the ARS Rescue Rooter Penny Hardaway Hoopfest.
For all the best statewide boys basketball coverage follow @PrepHoopsTN.