Westlake @ Olympus: What We Learned
Westlake High School traveled to Olympus High School to begin the season. Olympus pulled out to a quick 15-4 lead with a barrage of three pointers. By halftime, Westlake was able to pull within 2 due to Olympus cooling off…
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Continue ReadingWestlake High School traveled to Olympus High School to begin the season. Olympus pulled out to a quick 15-4 lead with a barrage of three pointers. By halftime, Westlake was able to pull within 2 due to Olympus cooling off and aggressive play from Westlake. In the 4th quarter, both teams traded blows taking the lead by 1 multiple times.
Down 3 with 5 seconds to go, Will Jensen missed a layup, rebounded the ball from the other side of the rim, and laid it back in with 4 seconds remaining on the clock. Olympus hurried to inbound the ball, and Westlake quickly fouled sending Senior Zach Alder to the free throw line. After one make, Westlake called a timeout, but didn’t have any left, resulting in a technical foul. After three more consecutive makes by Alder, Westlake’s coach Nate Carling was called for another Technical foul. After all the damage was done, Olympus came out victorious 68-60 on opening night.
Hunter PhillipsJr. Hunter Phillips – F – Westlake
The 6′-7” unranked Junior came out in impressive fashion in the opener. Tallying 17 points and a multitude of rebounds and blocks, he controlled the paint for the majority of the second quarter and through the 2nd half, powering the comeback. Phillips had a soft touch around the rim all night, seemingly baiting the defender so he could use his drop step hook shot with ease. His tough defense stifled the Olympus offense all night. When Olympus finally decided to double team him, he was able to pass out of double teams and find the open player. A few missed free throws in key moments kept him for a 20 point game on the evening.
Zach AlderSr. Zach Alder – PG – Olympus
The 78th ranked 2020 prospect came out and controlled his team’s offense from start to finish, including knocking down the clutch free throws to end the game. Ending as the high scorer with 22 points, the true point guard was looking for his teammates early. At 5’10”, Alder is special with the ball as he always dribbled with a purpose. Whether it was driving in the lane or on the baseline, he was always looking where to pass the ball to next. If no one was there, he would wisely lay it up. He is a prospect to keep an eye on.
Noah MadsenJr. Noah Madsen – PG – Westlake
I have seen Madsen play a few times now, and this unranked prospect is sure to be ranked soon. Even though he had an off night shooting the ball, he did not disappoint. He always seemed to make the right play at the right time, and find the open man. Down 3 under 2 minutes, he pick pocketed Alder for an easy layup, and the next defensive possession took a charge. You can see he is oozing with talent and only needs to find his shot if he wants to move on to the next level.
Jr. Ben Krystkowiak – G – Olympus
The 18th ranked 2021 prospect came out on fire. He was instant offense hitting multiple threes and ending the night with 15 points. The 6’4” heady player looked calm and cool on both ends of the floor, potentially a trait from his father, Utah Utes Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak, who was in attendance as well. He was tough with his on ball defense, and would always go inside to help rebound while looking smooth with his 3 point shot.
Caden KuhnSr. Caden Kuhn – C – Olympus
The highest ranked 2021 player, 55, in this game came out a bit sluggish. Phillips had the strength advantage and it did show in the game. Nevertheless, Kuhn always came back for more. Whether it was an offensive put back for an And-1 in the 4th quarter, a block, or drawing critical fouls his footprint was all over the game. His energy was contagious and he kept a lot of balls alive by just being active in the paint. He is a prospect with 3 point ability and high energy coupled with length and a bulldog mentality.
Jr. Noah McCord – G – Westlake
The 29th ranked 2021 prospect also did not have the best of offensive nights. McCord only scored 8 points, but he didn’t seem to mind. He was smart with his shot selection, and was completely engaged on defense. His high basketball IQ and on ball defense was second to none while also making the right play on offense. I did not see him turn it over a single time. McCord had a smooth shot, and is sure to see more shots in Westlake’s next game.