5 Standouts: Lincoln versus Legend

<p>One of the games that we were most excited to see at the Cherry Creek Holiday Classic was one of the top teams in 4A, Lincoln, facing off against a young and talented team, Legend. Lincoln used a great defensive showcase in the fourth quarter to pull away for a late game victory. Here are my five standouts we want to focus on in the game.</p> <p><strong>Gabe Hernandez – Lincoln</strong></p> <p>Lincoln won 60-51 and Foster and Bamba combined for 50 points for the Lancers meaning that the rest of the players just had to do SOMETHING. Well, Hernandez stepped up in that department as he finished with six points in the game and offered his two best players another player to rely on. He knocked down a 3-pointer, something that he will have to specialize in with so much pressure on his standout guards. He also defended at a high level not allowing guards to blow by him as he pushed guards one way and forced turnovers from the backside. What was great is he played within the offense and did not force much but also did not turn down open looks. He has to keep that same confidence and concept as the season progresses.</p> <p><strong>Tanner Lamb – Legend</strong></p> <p>One of the best parts of the game was watching junior sharpshooter Tanner Lamb drop shot after shot. He found open spots, came off of the screen and even got to the rim. He made it difficult all night for the Lancers as he finished with 13 points in the game and hit three 3-pointers. He causes so much gravity with finding a rhythm that he is able to quickly get the ball out of his hands for open shots and was able to do that to set other teammates up. He can put the ball on the floor, create off of the dribble or set up for easy baskets and with guards that make sure to find him he can get going. I am expecting a big game where he goes for 25+ here soon.</p> <p><strong>Garrett Siebert – Legend</strong></p> <p>Siebert was Legend’s best player on Thursday and he was able to use his size to operate inside and kept Legend around especially in the second half. He finished with 18 points after knocking down shots early which made the defense have to adjust to the shot and then went inside to do his damage. He was grabbing boards and going straight up, pinning his man on the block and finishing and giving great energy with keeping plays alive as well. He was one of the biggest players that played and his size was a bit too much. Legend could have kept feeding him as he had a mismatch down low but he had a productive night and was a standout that will continue to put his team in winning situations. They just have to close out games a bit better.  </p> <p><strong>Ty Foster – Lincoln</strong></p> <p>Foster and Bamba put on quite the show on Thursday as players of the game and it him attacking the rim relentlessly ended up being the difference in the game. He took over in the first half as he got to the rim a ton and turned his lockdown defense into offense with steal and dunks. He had multiple fast break dunks in the game and also closed Legend out at the free throw line as there was not a guard that could hold him. He is one of the leaders for this team and a go-to player that controlled the pace all game. He remains one of the best unsigned players in the state and put his stamp on this game from beginning to end. He finished with 21 points in the game but an even bigger impact on both ends of the floor. Very good game for him.</p> <p><strong>Tj Bamba – Lincoln</strong></p> <p>The future Washington State Cougar looked exactly like he should have. A division I guard who possesses the ability to takeover in games and will his team to victory. He finished with 29 big points on the night as the player of the tournament and while his jump shot was not falling he was able to dominate in different ways. There was not a single player that could contain him as he worked past double teams and got to the rim for tough finishes. He is one of the most difficult players in the state to guard as he has the strength, speed and size and also finishes with either hand at or above the rim. He got to the free-throw line and knocked them all down. Legend found it out the hard way that he is one of the best that the state has to offer.</p>