Five Themes: Knoxville Webb defeats Maret

BRISTOL, TN --

Friday evening Knoxville Webb faced one of the best juniors in the country in Quincy Allen and his Maret Frogs (DC) and scraped away a win, 62-61 in overtime.

Here are five themes that emerged during their game.

Mystical Shooter

The legend of Luke Burnett's shooting reaches at least three of Tennessee's four borders, but numbers don't do this shooter justice.  Burnett capably arches his shot high and pure.  The Webb staff does an even better job of putting him in positions to succeed and Luke succeeds plenty.  Consistently remarkable.

The Elegance of the Mercurial Tariq

Tariq Daughton is a mystery wrapped in a riddle.  Throughout his career he has been everything from the best player on the court to the most forgettable player on the court.  One thing is certain, Tariq Daughton can play basketball like few players in the 2020 class.  Daughton caught an outlet on the sideline, darted in to catch the basketball to already collapse the defense, at once swiveled to the low block and finished a phenomenal scooped layup.  Few men of any age can execute such a complicated move so elegantly. Tariq is one of those rare cats that convinces you of his basketball worth.  Consistency is key and there is no reason Tariq (PrepHoopsTN #38) does not end up on a college roster by fall '20.

When the fourth quarter arrived, Daughton strung together several incredible plays.  He challenged the dribbler out high so effectively that he drew a push-off charge.  On the ensuing offensive possession, Daughton finished a muscular and-1.  He made the free throw, though he missed two in the first half.  Daughton blocked Quincy Allen at the rim seconds later.  It was the kind of series that convinces of Daughton's dangerous skills and athleticism.  

"He is a leader," said Coach Norris. He leads with his body language.  He is really improved.  He does a little of everything."

The Newish Uriah Powers

Uriah ran the floor with spirit throughout the game. More than years prior, Uriah is playing around the arc and attacking from the wing or sometimes handling the basketball on the break.  Previously a power forward, Uriah realizes his future in the game is on perimeter.  He put in the work with his agility, speed, and handles.  The outside shooting of Uriah still lags behind the rest of his guard skills.  There are moments when he returns to his old home, the low blocks, and finds success. 

"I think he is our toughest matchup," said Coach Norris. 

It is pleasant to see the evolution of his basketball game.  The program does miss some of his post defense, those springy legs hopping over and over.  Rebounding has and always be a convincing strength for Powers, so the more often he finds himself near a miss the better. 

As much as Powers has added to his game, when the game needed a bucket, the coach leaned on the old workhorse.  

"We ran a set to get Uriah the ball down low," said Coach Ricky Norris. "He finished strong. As a senior, that is what he was supposed to do. He handled that well."

System Success

Vocal.  Active.  Aware.

The defense has principles embedded in their play.  It is clear they learned that together.  

Regardless, Coach Norris did not like the defense tonight. 

"We weren't great at our alertness.  We have to be active and communicate."

He continued, "We weren't into it defensively like we should be."

Final Word

Neither team appeared better than the other.  One made basket does not reveal a chasm between   What did the foes see from Knoxville Webb?

"They are a good team," said Maret coach Chuck Driesell.  "They looked like they have been together awhile."

Asked to expound, he did.

"They don't seem to breakdown," said Coach Driesell. "Pressure doesn't seem to bother them."

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