5 Takeaways: Duncanville vs Richardson

<p>I was treated to the much-anticipated season finale matchup between the Duncanville Panthers and Richardson Eagles Friday evening. These are two of the best teams in the state of Texas and they did not disappoint in their second meeting of the regular season. Although momentum was constantly changing, Richardson held a slim lead for almost the entirety of this game. Duncanville managed to tie things up before the end of regulation and force overtime, but the Eagles got revenge at home after losing to the Panthers earlier this year in another overtime thriller, defeating Duncanville 81-77, and upsetting the No. 1 ranked team in the state. </p> <p>Here are five takeaways from the game:</p> <h4><strong>Perhaps the Best Atmosphere of Any High School Basketball Game I've Ever Attended </strong></h4> <p>Richardson's gymnasium is not the largest, but it was packed to max capacity, nonetheless. It was an intimate setting for one of the most exciting games of the 2019-20 regular season. Both schools were well represented, with nearly everyone in attendance on their feet by the end of the contest (parents included). Maybe it was the fact that two Texas heavyweights were clashing, or possibly the draw of highly touted prospects like <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/micah-peavy/">Micah Peavy</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/rylan-griffen/">Rylan Griffen</a></strong>. Whatever the reason, this was an undeniably electric atmosphere capped off by the Richardson student section rushing the court to celebrate their school's victory. </p> <h4><strong>This Was a Physical Game </strong></h4> <p>While the final score might indicate otherwise, this was a matchup filled with exceptional defense courtesy of both teams. Neither side was shy about making the most of their fouls and each team was locked in when it came to playing some good old-fashioned physical D. It didn't take long in either half for both schools to get into the bonus which made free throw shooting a key component. Richardson's <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cason-wallace/">Cason Wallace</a></strong> and <strong>Jaylon Barnett</strong> were absolutely nails at the line when it mattered most, and that gave their team the necessary cushion in OT to close this game out. </p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/rylan-griffen/">Rylan Griffen</a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cason-wallace/">Cason Wallace</a> Were Phenomenal </strong></h4> <p>This duo of sophomores was incredible Friday night. Griffen was sensational from behind the arc, hitting a plethora of threes that were heavily contested, including some big-time triples near the end of regulation. He doesn't care if you get a hand up. He's going to take and make whatever shot he wants. His fearless performance from distance was awe-inspiring. As for Wallace, his all-around game was on full display vs. Duncanville. Elbow jumpers, transition blocks, pinpoint passes, you name it and he can do it. This guy just makes plays. The Eagles are going to be a force for years to come with these two youngsters at the helm. </p> <h4><strong>There Was No Shortage of Size on Both Sides </strong></h4> <p>Richardson may have been at a slight disadvantage in the height department, but Griffen and Wallace are of solid size for their respective roles. They are also benefited by 6-foot-7-inch junior center <strong>Gannon Parker</strong>, who's big-bodied presence in the post is noticeable. That said, Duncanville is loaded with size. Peavy is 6'7" but moves like a guard, <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/robert-banks/">Robert Banks</a></strong> is also 6'7" and can stretch out to the perimeter on offense, and freshman <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cameron-barnes/">Cameron Barnes</a></strong> is a whopping 6'10". Undersized teams are going to have a lot of trouble vs. these squads in the postseason. </p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/micah-peavy/">Micah Peavy</a> is as Impressive as Advertised </strong></h4> <p>Although his team could not get the W on the road, Peavy was remarkably impressive during this outing. He does not fool around with any shots beyond the three-point line, but he is extremity efficient and effective from inside the arc. The Texas Tech commit got to the rim at will vs. Richardson. He finished some acrobatic layups while also showing off his flight skills with some powerful dunks and graceful alley-oop finishes. He has a nice free-throw line jumper in his arsenal as well. His size and athleticism will allow him to make an immediate impact at the next level. </p>