STVM 57 @ Moeller 66 Recap

<p>Two of the top teams in the state of Ohio squared off in Cincinnati on Saturday evening as the Archbishop Moeller Crusaders hosted the Saint Vincent Saint Mary Fighting Irish. In a contest loaded with division I talent across the board, it was Moeller using a hot start and strong finish to outlast a gritty Irish performance. Moeller controlled the rebounding battle, 34-23, using their size to their advantage. On defense, Moeller contested every 3-point look that the Irish attempted, only allowed STVM to shoot 3/20 from 3-point range. Both [player_tooltip player_id="714474" first="Logan" last="Duncomb"] and [player_tooltip player_id="593905" first="Malaki" last="Branham"] shined, but it was Duncomb who was able to lead his team to victory in the end. Here were some of the top performers from the game.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="714474" first="Logan" last="Duncomb"], 6’9 C Moeller 2021: Duncomb proved why he’s rated as one of the top prospects in the midwest with this game. Duncomb looks much more fluid on the perimeter, moving very well for a guy his size. Uses his frame to gain position on the post and his height was a significant advantage over everybody except [player_tooltip player_id="867952" first="Darius" last="Stratford"] for the Irish. Duncomb is a complete post player and this 24 point and 14 rebound performance was just another example of how special of a prospect he is.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="593905" first="Malaki" last="Branham"], 6’5 SG STVM 2021: Branham is rated the highest among the senior class and had stretches showing everybody why that is the case. Branham worked his magic in the mid-range area, using jab steps and crossovers to create space for pull-up jumpers. Defensively I thought Branham was excellent, guarding Duncomb for a large portion of the second half. Both Ohio State and Indiana fans should be very excited about the future with these guys coming next season.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="834668" first="Alex" last="Williams"], 6’5 SF Moeller 2021: The gap between Moeller [player_tooltip player_id="834668" first="Alex" last="Williams"] and [player_tooltip player_id="834668" first="Alex" last="Williams"] in any other setting I’ve watched him in is pretty drastic. Williams just plays so well next to his Moeller teammates and I think at times they can get too passive with the basketball and Williams isn’t afraid to be the guy taking the shots. He went 3/9 from 3-point range but missed a couple in and out, it could’ve been a dominant outside shooting performance. Williams has slimmed down since last season so any questions about his ability to translate to a more perimeter oriented game in college should be erased.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="787627" first="Sencire" last="Harris"], 6’5 PG STVM 2022: Harris had a very interesting game. I thought he took some horrible pull-up jumpers, not making a single one that were completely out of the flow of the offense. Yet Harris made a couple special defensive plays and finishes around the basket that reminded me why I have him rated as one of the top prospects in Ohio for his class. If Harris stuck to more spot-up 3-pointers (made his only attempt) I think his efficiency numbers could skyrocket, it’s just is he able to be patient enough to let that happen. Harris also took good care of the basketball, with zero turnovers. With Branham and Harris the Irish have a 1-2 punch that’s able to compete with anybody.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="921744" first="Evan" last="Mahaffey"], 6’6 SF Moeller 2022: Mahaffey was everywhere on the court with a pretty crazy stat-line. Mahaffey had 9 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks. That type of do it all performance is exactly what Moeller needs out of him this season. His length caused a ton of problems for STVM around the basket, as Mahaffey flew in for a couple crazy rejections. Mahaffey played within the flow of the offense, not doing too much with the basketball in his hands. He had a nice put-back in traffic off an [player_tooltip player_id="834668" first="Alex" last="Williams"] missed layup that caught my eye as his best offensive play of the day.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="922594" first="Kevin" last="Hamilton"], 5’7 PG STVM 2023: I thought Hamilton, [player_tooltip player_id="867938" first="Lance" last="Hayes"] and [player_tooltip player_id="867952" first="Darius" last="Stratford"] were all impressive but I’ll show some love to the 5’7 PG. Hamilton is the definition of heart over height, as he was fearless against guys almost a foot taller than him. With his size it’s no surprise that he’s very quick on his feet, staying in front of opposing ball-handlers. Hamilton also finished two layups for the Irish, one that should’ve been an and-1 opportunity</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="555238" first="Aidan" last="Noyes"], 6’6 SF Moeller 2021: Noyes is a guy who I was waiting to explode onto the scene this season after getting limited minutes as a Junior. It’s safe to say he’s taken that step that we’ve been waiting for. Noyes was finishing through traffic, rebounding the basketball and hit a corner 3-pointer to end the third quarter. My one complaint about Noyes has been that he wasn’t productive enough for his talent, it’s only three games in his senior season but he’s been putting up impressive numbers thus far. I think it’s safe to say Noyes will be a consistent producer for Moeller this year.</p>