Best Players – Ellendale 56 Linton/HMB 61

We had a big-time Region 3 matchup in this one. Ellendale is from District 5 and Linton/HMB is from District 6. These two could potentially meet up again in a few weeks in the Region Championship game. Ellendale had a 15-2 record before this game and is ranked #5 in our Power Rankings. Linton/HMB had a record of 15-3 coming into the game. Halftime Score – Ellendale 26 Linton/HMB 35 Final Score – Ellendale 56 Linton/HMB 61 Three-pointers made - Ellendale = 2 Linton/HMB = 10 Free-throws – Ellendale = 14/24 Linton/HMB = 7/12 The Lion’s pressure, full-court press, and 3-point shooting were the difference in this game. Wagner was still phenomenal for the Cardinals inside the paint. He owned the boards on both ends. It would be fun to see these squads play again in the Region Championship. If you plan on watching the Region 3 Tournament you are in for a treat. Here are the best players from tonight’s game: [player_tooltip player_id="531491" first="Lucas" last="Schumacher"] (2021) |6-3 G| Linton/HMB – 21 points, 4-4 on FT’s, and 3 triples. He proved today why he should be in the talks for Mr. Basketball. Early on Lucas showed a great hesitation move that left the defender in the dust. After the move, he drilled a pull-up jumper. His jump-shot is seamless because of his terrific elevation and perfect form. Lucas has a superb runner/floater. He has great anticipatory skills that lead to multiple turnovers in the Lion full-court press. I was impressed with his spin move. His great hops led to blocked shots on the defensive end. Lucas made a difficult floating shot at the end of the first quarter that he kissed off the glass. He had multiple steals in the press, and he made nice passes to teammates afterward for wide-open layups. Lucas is an unselfish player that throws crisp passes. I knew before the game that he was a good shooter. He was top-notch in this one. He might have the best pull-up 3-point shot that I have seen this year. One of them was from college range and the other was from out by the volleyball line. Lucas is a stud baller that you must watch player before the season is over. Look out for the Lions in Region 3. [player_tooltip player_id="812224" first="Scott" last="Wagner"] (2022) |6-7 F| Ellendale – 27 points and 3-5 from the line. I have not heard the official number for his rebounds. However, it was certainly in the double figures. This big man was better than advertised. He dominated the boards on both ends. Scott had an O-board to start the game and was fouled on the shot. He knocked down both FT’s to start the game. He was doubled and tripled all night in the post and still found a way to produce. I was impressed with how unselfish and how great of a passer he was out of the post. He was excellent at giving the ball up when he was doubled and did not have room for a move. Many of Scott’s points came from offensive rebound putbacks. I liked how deep he would seal defenders. A few times he pinned the defender under the basket so all he had to do was turn around and get the ball over the rim. He had a nice swat in the 3rd quarter that erased a Lion shot attempt. At one point in the game, the Cardinals needed a basket, and Wagner had four players on him. He was still able to square up and score the basket. He is strong like a bull. I love the way he follows his own shot. He showed a nice spin move. For how big he is, I was surprised by how good his feet are and how well he gets up and down the floor. He also has great stamina. [player_tooltip player_id="998915" first="Carter" last="Renz"] (2021) |6-4 F| Linton/HMB – 17 points 1-2 on FT’s and two triples. He is a better athlete than I had originally thought. I like the flow he plays with. Carter has a nice stroke from beyond the arc. His athleticism helped him grab O-boards. Carter had a sweet step-back 3-pointer in the first half. Besides having a nice 3-point shot, Carter has a great runner/floater. He received a couple of nice passes from Schumacher in transition that he finished for easy baskets. I liked his 1-dribble baseline pull-up against the zone. Carter is a gifted player offensively and a problematic defender on the top of their full-court press. He is another Lion to look out for! [player_tooltip player_id="1135860" first="Riley" last="Thorpe"] (2023) |5-10 G| Ellendale – 13 points 7-8 on FT’s and two triples. Riley is a solid guard who can knock down shots from beyond the arc. He is a confident and consistent free-throw shooter. His three-pointers came from the left corner and the left-wing. If the Cardinals want to make a run in the playoffs, they will need Riley to keep shooting well. [player_tooltip player_id="1135862" first="Trace" last="King"] (2023) |5-10 G| Linton/HMB – 14 points, 1-4 on FT’s, and three 3-pointers. Trace scored the first point of the game for the Lions from the FT-line. Trace has a nice floater/runner much like the other Linton guards. He was a recipient of a dime from Schumacher in transition that led to an easy layup. Trace had a big left corner three-pointer before halftime to help build the momentum. He made another three-pointer from the left corner that had a high bounce off the rim and soft roll before it went home. This shot showed his soft shooter’s touch. Eric Blondo (2021) |6-1 F| Ellendale – 5 points and 3-4 from the charity stripe. He had an athletic blocked shot on D. Eric had a nice basket on the block because of a nice pass from a double-teamed Wagner. He is a physical and efficient cutter. Eric is a solid rebounder that grabs them if big number 52 does not already have it. I like his active hands when he is on defense. [player_tooltip player_id="1135863" first="Levi" last="Reis"] (2023) |5-11 G| Ellendale – 8 points in the game. I liked his effort on defense when he took a player control foul from a Lion. Levi showed that he can finish through contact. I was impressed with an offensive rebound putback that he had in the game. Gentry Richter (2025) |6-1 G| Linton/HMB – 5 points and 1 triple. His 3-pointer came from the right corner. This youngster is a confident player. He looks to be the next 3-point assassin for the Lions.