5 Standouts: Eaglecrest v. Cherry Creek

<p>Week 9 finished off with another intense Centennial League battle in which Prep Hoops Colorado had chosen as the game of the weekend. In the game, Eaglecrest was able to overcome a big Cherry Creek lead and then gave up a late lead of their own in which they fell 66-62 in overtime. The game had mini-runs by both teams but in the end, the Bruins were able to capitalize down the stretch. Here are five standouts from the game.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ty-robinson/">Ty Robinson</a> Changes it Up</strong></h3> <p>One thing that I have been very vocal about is <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ty-robinson/">Ty Robinson</a> hanging out on the wing for just jumpers and it making Eaglecrest a bit one dimensional. Well, in this game he was able to switch it up as he finished with 16 points in the game. Robinson made it a point to use his size and physicality to get inside of the paint and finish. He hit one 3-pointer in the game and everything else for him came inside, which hasn’t been seen much from him this season. Defenders have a difficult time trying to match his strength and athleticism and he also has the size and skill to finish around him. Creek was forced to start fouling him and he used his finishes at the rim to get himself going with floaters and power through. It was a good sign for him as there was a balance, hopefully, that stays.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/zion-ruckard/">Zion Ruckard</a> Refuses to Quit</strong></h3> <p>Ruckard is one of the most consistent players in the entire state. Each and every game he brings it and this was another situation where. They needed their star guard to take over. He did just that. Creek went on a big run where they took a halftime lead where it looked like they might run away with this one. Ruckard did what he has done all season long when his team has been faced with adversity – he showed up. Ruckard had 15 points in the second half and carried the way for the Raptors. He hit two crucial 3-pointers down the stretch and did everything in his power to bring the Raptors a victory. He had a game and season-high of 25 points and he has quietly looked like a top 3 point guard in the state this season.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sebastian-cole/">Sebastian Cole</a> Impacts the Game</strong></h3> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sebastian-cole/">Sebastian Cole</a> might not ever lead the team in points, but his impact on the game goes beyond stats as he just seems to always be in the right spot and making plays. He is a guard that has a great handle so he can bring the ball up the court or he could play off of the ball and slash for easy scoring opportunities. He is a physically gifted athlete that jumps with the best of them and he uses his speed to blow by defenders as well. He led the game with assists (7) and put his teammates in great spots to score as well while getting his own baskets as well. He finished with 14 points in the game and also made some game-winning plays on the defensive end. He has been one of the better perimeter defenders in the state and his four steals ended up making a difference. This was maybe his best game of the season.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/julian-hammond/">Julian Hammond</a> III comes through</strong></h3> <p>This was not a game that we have gotten accustomed to when it comes to <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/julian-hammond/">Julian Hammond</a> III, but it was a game that he showed his resiliency and leadership in. He was not able to score in the same ways that he has been able to all season, his shot was not falling and he was being denied at the rim, but when it was time for him to step up, he did. Hammond III finished with 15 points in the game and most of them came in the second half when his team needed him most including a 3-pointer to force overtime where Cherry Creek took off. He just impacted the game in different ways. He still finished with a game-high 12 rebounds, he dished out six assists and also had three steals. Hammond III has shown that he is not ONLY a scorer and even on a day that it does not look like it is going his way, he still manages to take over, that is what makes him special.</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/myles-purchase/">Myles Purchase</a> – MVP of the Game</strong></h3> <p>I am just going to come out and say it, I love <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/myles-purchase/">Myles Purchase</a>’s game. He is one of those players that will do whatever it is that is asked of him and everything that he does is done at 100%. He is a two-way guard and one of the better passers in the state and although he turns the ball over, it is done by taking chances that no other guard is willing to take. He is a courageous point guard that just wants to win the game. He is battling on every possession, he is even-keeled and no moment seems too big for him. He brings an intensity that not many other guards are capable of recreating and every single time that I have come out to see him he has stood out as one of the best players on the court. His 20 points led the Bruins but it was his ability to give the Raptors all that they could handle throughout the night that made him the player of the game. He is gathering momentum heading to the state playoffs and if we’re going off of last year’s run—he will shine once he is there.</p>