Wyoming 57, Hudsonville 50: Five Takeaways

<p>HUDSONVILLE, MI -- Tuesday night featured possibly the area's best non-conference game of the year as Wyoming 15-1 (8-1 OK Gold) went on the road to take on Hudsonville 14-2 (8-1 OK Red). This game featured two of the best guards in the area in Hudsonville's <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/max-perez/">Max Perez</a> and Wyoming's <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/menalito-mcgee/">Menalito McGee</a>, and clashing of style of play as Hudsonville's dynamic frontcourt went up against Wyoming's group of pesky guards.</p> <p>Wyoming got off to a hot start fueled by its extended defensive pressure, creating turnovers that resulted in multiple fast break opportunities in the early going. The Wolves took the lead and didn't look back, despite a late surge by the Eagles, ultimately defeating Hudsonville 57-50. With back-to-back wins over Grand Rapids Christian and Hudsonville, this Wyoming team is peaking at the right time.</p> <p>Five Takeaways</p> <h6>Wyoming's Extended Pressure Caused Uncharacteristic Problems for Hudsonville</h6> <p>I've been to several Hudsonville games this season and never have I seen them play so uncomfortable. This was caused by the suffocating defensive play of <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/menalito-mcgee/">Menalito McGee</a>, <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/diego-ledesma/">Diego Ledesma</a>, and Marion and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/monte-parks/">Monte Parks</a>. Saying that Wyoming's guards get after it defensively is vastly understanding it. Nearly everyone in Wyoming's rotation has the quickness and ability to stay in front of you for a full four quarters. By my count, Hudsonville turned the ball over five times in the first quarter. That's a recipe for disaster when going up against as good of a scoring team as Wyoming.</p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jack-joldersma/">Jack Joldersma</a>'s Athleticism Was On Full Display</h6> <p>Throughout the first half, Wyoming threatened to blow open the game on several occasions. Their runs were ultimately stymied by the frontcourt play of Hudsonville and most noticeably, senior <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jack-joldersma/">Jack Joldersma</a>, who led the Eagles with 16 points. Jack created multiple second-chance opportunities for the Eagles and converted high percentage shots in and around the paint with regularity. His ability to rise above Wyoming's guards to grab boards and contest shots on the defensive end kept Hudsonville within striking distance throughout the game and should be something they can hang their hat on going forward.</p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/menalito-mcgee/">Menalito McGee</a>'s Shot Creating Ability Can Take Wyoming Far In March</h6> <p>It's no secret that in order to make a deep run in March, you need a guy who can go get a bucket when needed. Wyoming's <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/menalito-mcgee/">Menalito McGee</a> has proved throughout the year he's one of the best shot creators on the west side of the state, posting multiple 40+ point games in the past couple of weeks. This was on display again against Hudsonville as he was able to use a number of crossover and hesitation moves to find his shot, scoring an efficient 16 points in the win.</p> <h6>Wyoming's Offense Had No Hiccups Against The Zone</h6> <p>One way Hudsonville tried to slow down the Wyoming attack was to go to multiple zone looks throughout the game. While this certainly slowed the pace of the game and caused Wyoming to score 20 points below its average, the Wolves still played efficiently offensively and looked comfortable against Hudsonville's length in the halfcourt. Wyoming's hand-back sets they ran regularly resulted in quality shots for Ledesma, McGee, and the Parks twins.</p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/diego-ledesma/">Diego Ledesma</a> Is A Blossoming Two-Way Player</h6> <p>Not only did Diego lead Wyoming in scoring with 17 points, but he was also a difference maker for the Wolves on the defensive end. As previously mentioned, Hudsonville struggled early taking care of the ball in the first quarter. Ledesma was at the forefront of this effort, using his quickness and physicality to force Hudsonville's guards into poor decisions. If Diego can bring this type of play on both sides of the court on a nightly basis, Wyoming will be a very tough out come tourney time.</p>