Post Falls Coasts By Visiting Moses Lake
The Trojans of Post Falls High took on the Chiefs of Moses Lake at The Arena in Post Falls on Tuesday night. This game featured knock-down 3-point shooters, high-flying finishes at the rim, and gave us a preview of the…
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Continue ReadingThe Trojans of Post Falls High took on the Chiefs of Moses Lake at The Arena in Post Falls on Tuesday night. This game featured knock-down 3-point shooters, high-flying finishes at the rim, and gave us a preview of the future for one of the squads. With Post Falls winning 87-61, this game did not lack for offensive production or big plays. Here are five takeaways from Tuesday’s action.
- Primetime showdown: The game featured a match-up of two of the Northwest’s premier players in Prep Hoops Washington’s #11 overall best player, Kyle Karstetter, and Prep Hoops Idaho’s #8 overall player, Colby Gennett. Karstetter, a 6’7” guard who committed to Idaho State, is a long, athletic wing with an elite long range shot. Karstetter had multiple impressive fast break dunks where it looked like he was walking on air before finishing with a two-hand slam. However, Karstetter was stifled offensively in this game by the presence of one of Idaho’s best players in Colby Gennett. Gennett’s second game this year having to lock-in on a future D-1 player did not disappoint. Limiting Karstetter to six points, Gennett had multiple blocks and steals while using his length and athleticism to help keep Karstetter in check. Gennett had the play of the game with an absolute monster finish in transition. With a two-foot gather leading to a one-handed dunk over a would-be defender, it was the type of finish that would make Kevin Harlan stand-up and cheer. Finishing with 14 points, Gennett showed a complete offensive skill set, making dunks, great catch-and-shoot plays from 15 feet, and using his body to create separation to finish over length. Gennett won this night’s much anticipated match-up.
- Impressive Warm-up: It is a long season and every game can reveal so much about a player and what they could contribute at the next level. That being said, rarely am I blown away by what a player does in warm-ups. It is an expectation that a player should make shots with no defenders on them. However, on this rainy night in Post Falls, Kyle Karstetter put on an absolute show. Knocking down 3 after 3, moving back to the volleyball line close to mid-court without a miss, the visiting crowd took notice of this showcase as a murmur rippled through the fans as everyone turned their attention to Karstetter. With his ability to elevate and his nearly limitless range, Karstetter will be fun to watch for a much improved Idaho State team next year.
- Cole Rutherford: Rutherford has become one of the most electric players in North Idaho. The junior is a true point guard with excellent court vision and an ability to make nifty passes to every corner of the court, but the most impressive thing that he can do on the court is finish at the hoop. With incredible handles, understanding of the Euro-step, and an ankle-breaking crossover, Rutherford is able to explode to the rim seemingly at ease while making layup after layup. Even with shot blockers trying to ruin his day, Rutherford proved that he was no match for their defensive attempts tying Gennett for a game high 14 points. Rutherford will need to continue to improve his jump shot; however, he already is an excellent on-ball defender and an elite paint attacking guard.
- P.F. Balanced attack: Even if you figure out a way to stop Gennett and limit Rutherford’s ability to get in the lane, you still have to contend with the versatility of Alex Horning, the sweet shooting stroke of Caden McLean, and the development of their bench options with hustle players Zack Rodriguez and James Lee (Rodriguez and Lee combined for 25 points and 17 rebounds against Moses Lake). On the way to the game, I ran into a long-time regional referee. We talked briefly about the state of local hoops, and he asked me what game I was headed out to. When I told him, he raved about the program that Coach McLean has created at Post Falls, and it looks like this team will be one of the most formidable in the state
- The top heavy approach by Washington teams. Over the first weeks of the winter basketball season, a trend that has jumped out after watch multiple regional Washington teams has been how top heavy they have been. Relying on a single, long athletic shooting wing to generate the majority of their points versus Idaho teams with their balanced offense approach. I am going to have to follow-up with my GSL contacts to find out if this is an anomaly or the way things are trending in Washington. In Moses Lake’s defense this night, with Karstetter struggling against the Post Falls defensive scheme, senior forward Logan Sperline stood out as an undersized post with a surprising ability to use his body to create separation and finish strong through contact. Additionally, Dylan Roylance was a good shooter from the corners with a high arching 3-point shot.