Mabry Masterpiece: Sr Forward Lifts Grizzles to Conference Win
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Spring Valley Opens up 1-0 in conference play. Backdrop – Two Desert conference contenders square off in the first game of the 4A conference season. Despite injuries to star guards Alijah Adem Alijah Adem 6'2" | PG Spring Valley | 2024 State…
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Continue ReadingSpring Valley Opens up 1-0 in conference play.
Backdrop – Two Desert conference contenders square off in the first game of the 4A conference season. Despite injuries to star guards Alijah Adem Alijah Adem 6'2" | PG Spring Valley | 2024 State #174 Nation NV , and Jamison McCall Jamison McCall 6'0" | CG Spring Valley | 2024 State NV , the Grizzlies still hold a playoff standard. Cheyenne, under first-year coach John Walker, compiled a 6-11 record against a tough Non-Conference schedule. The Desert Shields got off to a fast start behind the strong play of Josef Major Josef Major 6'3" | PF Cheyenne | 2023 State NV , who had 11 points in the first half. Spring Valley rallied behind the hot shooting of Jordon Cosby Jordon Cosby 5'9" | CG Spring Valley | 2024 State NV who knocked down 6 threes in the game, and Devin Mabry Devin Mabry 6'6" | PF Spring Valley | 2023 State NV who may have the play of the year, with his dunk, and chase down block sequence. In the end, the Grizzlies rallied from the slow start, to win the game, 58-51 getting off to a 1-0 start in conference play.
Most Impactful Players
There were several impactful players in the game, however Mabry’s dominance on both sides of the ball was impossible to ignore. He played with energy, effort and passion, while scoring down low, finishing plays with dunks, and protecting the rim. The high flyer, with a 4.6 GPA is one of the top high academic prospects on the west coast.
Best Offensive Player
It was the breakout game of the season for Cosby. One of the best shooters in the state showed why, calmly knocking down corner threes. Cosby wasn’t bad from the other areas of the floor either, as he knocked down 6 total threes and finished with a game high 22 points.
Biggest Sleeper
The Major v Mabry battle was tremendous to watch. The hybrid big, was able to score off the bounce, attacking the rim and finishing plays. He was a terror on the glass, and his ability to play behind Mabry helped the Desert Shields overall defense.
Best New Prospect
This was my first look at Feaster, he’s a fast scrappy athlete that really helped out getting rebounds, defending, and converting tough buckets at the rim. He finished with 8 points on the night.
Best Defender
Daniel is making a case to make my All Masterlock team at the end of the season. He’s a tenacious on ball defender, and on this night he turned up his instincts. In addition to his usual thievery, he jumped passing lanes, getting steals and converting layups on the other end.
Most Impressive Offensive Skill
Tajon Bell Tajon Bell 6’0″ | PG Cheyenne | 2023 State NV ‘s floater: If anyone has a signature shot it’s Bell, the senior guard did a tremendous job of getting into the lane, and knocking down runners. He made numerous of them, from seemingly every angle, en route to finishing with 17 points.
Best Underclassman
Mikias is usually a steady handed floor general, that manages the game. He did that and more on this day, not only helping the Grizzlies control the tempo, but also comming up with big plays and shots late, all 5 of his points came in the fourth quarter, and his dagger three sent the bench into a frenzy.