5 Takeaways From Durango vs Reed
The 2nd round of the 4A state tournament got underway on Wednesday night. It featured the Durango Trailblazers from Las Vegas taking on the Reed Raiders of Sparks Nevada. Once again the Trailblazers were lead by the sharpshooting of freshmen…
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Continue ReadingThe 2nd round of the 4A state tournament got underway on Wednesday night. It featured the Durango Trailblazers from Las Vegas taking on the Reed Raiders of Sparks Nevada. Once again the Trailblazers were lead by the sharpshooting of freshmen Sebastian Mack who had a game high 25. The Raiders were led by Menlo commit Trey Stevens. The speed, shooting and depth of the Trailblazers proved to be to much as they advanced to a 70-47 victory.
Here are my takeaways
(1) Sebastian Mack, Sebastian Mack, Sebastian Mack
The incrdible run continues for Mack. I often talk about freshmen, “Melo” sizing their teams. Check. Even if Durango dosen’t win another game, he has certified himself as a sure fire high major prospect. It’s no longer just about his shooting. Against Reed, he once again showed that he finishes well in transition and can create for teammates. He is a special player and it’s exciting to think what the next 3 years hold.
(2) Menlo College is getting a good player in Trey Stevens
Got my first look at Stevens. His offensive skill set is nice. He can drive it and he has a solid handle that allows him to separate from defenders. For my money, Anthony Hunter is the best on ball defender in the state, at times Stevens made even him look ineffective. He caps a great career with a () point night. He will be heading to Menlo College to continue his career next season.
(3) The future Looks Bright For Reed
In addition to Stevens, Reed also had some promising young prospects on display. I was fortunate to finally catch up with Michael Agee. He’s a wiling defender with good lateral quickness. On offense he moved well without the ball, finishing several transition layups. He will be playing this summer for Jam on it, and I’m excited to see his continued development. Norman Dupree also saw some late game minutes in this one. Like Agee he plays for Jam On It in the summer. The 6’6 center is a long rangy prospect, with a nice touch around the rim. The development of these two players will be key to the success of the Reed program over the next couple of year.
(4) Did you know that Kendrick Gilbert is the Trailblazers Leading scorer?
A few days ago I was going through the Trailblazers box scores, and every game it seemed as if Gilbert finished with either 18 or 20 points. Come to find out, it really is every game. Gilbert AKA the human Mikan drill has a knack for finishing around the basket, using the hoop as protection. He has soft hands and is a solid free throw shooter. Against Reed, it was more of the same as Gilbert consistency was the safety valve on drives. The ultimate, doesn’t need the ball in his hands type player Gilbert has produced at a high rate for the Blazers. True to his form he finished with () on Wednesday.
(5) What are the Trailblazers chances against DP?
The game of the day features the two Las Vegas Rivals. DP is arguably the most complete team in the state, and they have their eyes set on the title. The Trailblazers present some unique challenges with their speed and ball handling. The first question for this or any elimination basketball game is, who can control the backboard? DP has two imposing inside presences in Anthony Swift and Darnell Washington. The Trailblazers counter with 4 talented bigs of their own. This will be the key determining factor in who has a