Tuesday Night Transition: Denmark and Marist go at it
In Native American lore, the “War Eagle” was thought to be the largest golden eagle on the plains, its feathers to be plucked most affectionately by tribesmen for battle dress. A fitting mascot it is for a crafty and feisty…
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Continue ReadingIn Native American lore, the “War Eagle” was thought to be the largest golden eagle on the plains, its feathers to be plucked most affectionately by tribesmen for battle dress. A fitting mascot it is for a crafty and feisty home Marist squad, who welcomed in fellow 4A Region 7 foe Denmark in what was a spirited clash, ultimately won by the Danes, 66-55.
Coming off a tight defeat to a very solid 7A Etowah team, a talented Denmark side presented a very tough follow-up for the host War Eagles, and the visitors and their terrific pressure defense put together a monster 2nd half to take control and take home the win.
Sutton SmithDenmark vs. Marist – Much of the attention when watching Denmark play falls toward rising sophomore sensation Robert Cowherd, and Marist of course knew that, pressuring and bodying the 6-4 wing into a poor shooting first half with just 5 points, all from the FT stripe. But the sophomore responded in his somewhat unassuming yet exciting way, putting together a terrific 2nd frame on his way to 21 points and impacting the game with both his offense and his defense as part of a suffocating full-court press approach by coach Tyler Whitlock. An eye-popping baseline drive and slam over two defenders late in the 3rd brought the Dane faithful to their feet and set the tone in a 25-12 quarter which essentially put Marist away. Cowherd has a ton of game at the moment – plenty of range to take it beyond the arc, terrific athletic ability getting to the rim, a stop-and-pop game which leaves defenders fanning at the wind, and a great nose and set of hands on defense. His ceiling seems limitless to be frank, and has the look of a young man with growing still to do, making him even more of shoo-in high D1 prospect. The hosts also sought to disrupt the game of poised and dynamic point guard Sutton Smith, the absolute engine for the Danes, who handled everything the War Eagles threw at him, including as many as 4 different defenders alternating to put heat on the rising junior. He met the challenge, getting a team-high 22 points, drilling 3’s and fighting his way to the basket. He added numerous assists and went a clutch 8-9 from the line in the final quarter to keep Denmark out ahead. Big man Adonnis Tolbert (pictured above), who was so impressive when I saw Denmark over Thanksgiving, had a quiet night offensively with 8 points, but had several nice mid-range pops and is the kind of rim protector which makes guards think twice about riding all the way to the hoop. He doesn’t have to be a monster on the stat sheet to be a factor in the game. Equally impressive to the star lineup for Denmark was the contribution of its role players and bench, which saw good-looking 6-5 junior forward Joseph Scott play a key frontcourt role alongside Tolbert and senior Ze’Vian Capers have some moments in key spots off the bench getting finishes in close and contributing mightily to the highly effective press.
Cody GaynesMarist wisely protected its home court in the way it knows best, playing hard-nosed, fundamental and physical basketball. What they may lack in athleticism is made up for with excellent preparedness and plenty of outside shooting options. Senior Cody Gaynes and Luke Benson share point guard duties, and both also spent time guarding Smith, with the 5-11 Gaynes showing both an ability to knock it down from deep, but also a taste for getting to the basket and drawing contact. He had a pretty drive and scoop finish in the 1st quarter among his 13 points. Marist got a strong late contribution from 6-6 senior center John Treanor, who battled foul trouble most of the game but gave Tolbert and Scott a good run and had a nice 4th quarter as the Eagles fought back, getting all of his 11 points in that stanza. Benson is a speedy 5-11 athlete who can play either guard spot, has an excellent handle and has a confident stroke from downtown, while senior forwards Mitch Owens and Matthew Houghton are your classic glue guys, doing a lot of the little things like rebounding and defending to help the team, with the two combining for 13 points on this night.