Five Takeaways: Roseville vs. Dakota

<p>This game was back and forth throughout the night. No one was able to pull away and keep a lead, but in the end, Roseville was able to come away with a 63-56 win. The Panthers were able to make some key baskets late to move into a tie with Dakota at the top of the MAC Red. Roseville was led by Martell Turner and Darien Banks, who combined for 31 points. Dakota got a game-high 18 points from Ryan Rollins. </p> <h2>Both teams have potential for a deep playoff run</h2> <p>These two teams are without question two of the best in the state. Each team plays sound defense and runs solid offensive sets. Roseville has two great guards in Turner and Banks, but John Ukomadu and De'Shaun Wright play a big role in the paint and will be key for the Panthers going forward. For Dakota, getting Rollins healthy will be key as he left the game with an injury, but Mark Tocco is an outstanding guard that plays well on both ends of the court. </p> <h2>Defense was the story of the game</h2> <p>Both teams were very solid on defense throughout the night. I was most impressed with Roseville's team defense and Tocco's individual defense. Roseville was very active on the defensive end, making sure Dakota had to work for each basket. Dakota didn't get too many easy buckets in the game, and that is because Roseville was playing solid help defense and forcing tough shots. For Dakota, Tocco was outstanding. He came away with a bunch of steals that led to easy baskets. He finished the game with 14 points and played a big role in keeping Dakota close throughout. </p> <h2>Darien Banks and Martell Turner are a nice combo</h2> <p>Roseville has a very nice duo in Turner and Banks. As I mentioned before, the duo combined to score 31 points, but they weren't just scoring the basketball. They were setting teammates up and helping each other defend on the perimeter. Turner made some big plays late, driving to the rim, finishing and drawing fouls. These two guards are special and can lead Roseville deep into the playoffs. </p> <h2>Ryan Rollins is a great player</h2> <p>He did leave the game in the fourth quarter with an injury, but before that, he was unstoppable. He was getting to the basket at will, drawing fouls and converting from the line. He had a game-high 18 points and 11 of those came from the free throw line. On defense, Rollins was able to use his solid frame to guard Roseville's bigs, but his speed allowed him to switch out onto guards. He's a very unique player that Dakota needs to get healthy going forward. </p> <h2>Roseville's bigs played great</h2> <p>Without the play of Roseville's bigs, the Panthers lose this game. Wright, Ukomadu and Lazell Judge played huge roles in the win over Dakota, combining for 23 points and 19 rebounds. For the most part, they were able to limit the post play of the Cougars and rebounded the ball at a high rate. Ukomadu is an underrated big man in the state, and his shot blocking ability is a huge asset for the Panthers. </p>