Three Observations: Torrey Pines vs. Chaminade

<p>TORREY PINES — It seemed like everything went right for the Torrey Pines High basketball team in its opening game of the state playoff slate.</p> <p>The Falcons broke the Chaminade pressure with ease, shared the ball, made the extra pass, took advantage of the Eagles' quick shots and turnovers, and it also helped that senior wing <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brandon-angel/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brandon-angel/">Brandon Angel</a></a></strong> dropped an efficient 38 points. </p> <p>Because of all the factors mentioned above, Torrey Pines defeated visiting Chaminade in convincing fashion, 82-53, to move on to the CIF State Division 1 SoCal Regional quarterfinals where the Falcons will host Southern Section Division 1 champion Windward on Thursday</p> <p>Six-foot-6 junior point guard <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chris-howell/">Chris Howell</a></strong> added a strong stat line of 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists to the Falcons' cause. <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/abe-eagle/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/abe-eagle/">Abe Eagle</a></a></strong> led the way for Chaminade with 16 points, while junior guard <strong>Kenneth Simpson, Jr.</strong> added 15 with seven assists and junior shooting guard <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/keith-higgins/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/keith-higgins/">Keith Higgins</a></a></strong> pitched in 11 points for the Eagles.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brandon-angel/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brandon-angel/">Brandon Angel</a></a> primed for a major move up the 2020 rankings</strong></p> <p>The 6-foot-8 Stanford-bound wing has made the most of his opportunity to be Torrey Pines' feature guy as a senior. Angel scored in every way imaginable Tuesday night from catch and shoot 3's to one and two-bounce pull-ups to transition drives and even did damage in the post with a soft right handed hook shot. He finished with game-high's in both points and rebounds with 38 and 10, respectively, and showed that he has just as much upside, if not more, than almost any player in SoCal's 2020 class. It was good to see Angel more comfortable attacking the basket off the bounce and even tried to throw down a poster dunk in the first half, which was unsuccessful, but impressive nonetheless. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chris-howell/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chris-howell/">Chris Howell</a></a> remains one of the smartest decision-makers in the state</strong></p> <p>Howell made the move from San Marcos to Torrey Pines this season and it's good to see him compete at the highest level of high school hoops. The junior has impressive size and length for the position at 6-feet-6 and absolutely picked apart the Chaminade zone press with his vision, basketball IQ, and precision passing. Howell is the last ball handler you want to pressure because he never gets sped up, can see over most guards - even when doubled - and is always looking to set teammates up in the half-court setting. Howell was able to use his size to score in the painted area Tuesday night, but he still needs to become a more consistent shooting threat from 3-point range. Defensively, Howell has made improvements with his anticipation, rim protecting and rebounding.</p> <p><strong>Third Quarter propelled Torrey to the easy win</strong></p> <p>The Falcons held a 38-30 lead at halftime of a fast-paced, high-volume shooting game, a pace which normally favors Chaminade. Torrey Pines clamped down defensively coming out of halftime and used a 21-8 run through the first 4:41 of the third to take a commanding 59-38 lead and they never looked back. The Eagles played right into the Falcons hand by taking quick perimeter jumpers early in the shot clock. Torrey Pines used its size and length advantage to limit Chaminade's second-chance opportunities and worked for high percentage looks on the offensive end.</p>