Perry at Basha: Varsity Standouts

On Monday, January 16th I attended the 6A Basha Bears hosting the 6A Perry Pumas. It was a rare #1 versus #2 match-up. Both teams came in with one loss and the atmosphere in the gym was off the charts. They literally sent people away and closed the doors.   The game unfortunately got away from Basha as Perry won 84-62 but that feeling is hard to emulate for a regular season basketball game.   <h2>Here were the varsity standouts </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1129193' first='Koa' last='Peat'] Perry (On the FT line)   The top sophomore in the class and one of the top players in state had a big game from start to finish. He had 28 points in impressive fashion. He had multiple dunks including one nasty poster. His power and strength is clearly unmatched. He handles the ball well and is an incredible passer for his size. He will rip thru with either hand and spins off of his defenders to score plus hit from mid-range. He can post up and fall away from his defender. He rebounds and blocks shots at a high rate.       [player_tooltip player_id='831114' first='Cody' last='Williams'] Perry   The five star point forward showed it all in this game with 27 big points. He hit deep threes, got out on the break with easy dunks high above the crowd, put backs in the paint and is starting to even post up, which is a new thing for him. His sheer size and length inside affected many opponents from trying to score and collected many steals and rebounds in the process. The NBA Draft websites already have him as a lottery pick in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='996172' first='D'Andre' last='Harrison'] Perry    A highly skilled forward works well from inside and out. The lefty steps out easily to the three point line and loves the elbow jumper. He is starting to put the ball on the deck more and can go baseline and finish. He runs the floor, blocks shots, rebounds and will flush it down. I thought he was one of the difference makers when the Pumas extended their lead.    [player_tooltip player_id='996175' first='Barron' last='Silsby'] Perry    The teams deadeye shooter has volleyball line range. He plays on or off the ball and has become stronger in the last year. He can handle the pounding more inside the paint and defensively. He can also now drive it better with either hand for tough layups.   [player_tooltip player_id='1150848' first='Nolan' last='Brown'] Perry    The undersized pure point guard sets the table and handles heavy ball pressure. He uses his speed to burst by his defender and is tough on the ball defensively. He can pull-up from mid-range and score on running layups.   [player_tooltip player_id='1323290' first='Mason' last='Magee'] Basha   Magee is one of the fastest point guards in the state and he is only a freshman. The ball is on a string for him and he has a dynamic first step. He uses his left hand often to blow by and finish off contested layups in traffic. He will drive and kick it to a teammate and he is a one man press break. He can pull-up on a dime from mid-range and hit the catch three. His perimeter shot rattled in and out multiple times but his mechanics are good.   [player_tooltip player_id='1490241' first='Elijah' last='Summers-Livingston'] Basha   The long and taller young post player was one of the players who physically matched up well with the size of Perry. He scores on layups or put backs in heavy traffic and will leap up quickly before the defenders block his shot. He challenged all suitors at the rim and gobbles up rebounds in and out of his area. His size, fluidity and upside make him a top-10 AZ freshman.    [player_tooltip player_id='1120889' first='Torin' last='Bosch'] Basha   A strong inside and out forward is a threat from deep and and can work in the paint. He will hit perimeter jumpers to the three off the catch and scores easily thru contact with his stronger frame. He can create off the dribble to score and has that senior grit and leadership.   [player_tooltip player_id='1064158' first='Christian' last='Warren'] Basha   A legit 3 and D wing forward is strong to defend and will score. He has a super quick release and comes with range. He showed a few wrinkles with some pull-ups from mid-range off the dribble and creating more off the dribble. He is still best off the catch and brings toughness.   [player_tooltip player_id='1131991' first='Will' last='Zanoni'] Basha   The team sharpshooter from the three point line Will. The lefty has a pretty stroke with beautiful ball rotation and a fast shooting release. He moves without the ball to open spots and uses his higher release to shoot over defenders. He will be pivotal down the stretch of the season with one of their guards out for the year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1131992' first='Sam' last='Zanoni'] Basha   The twin brother of Will likes to drive it more. He is a capable perimeter shooter as well, but needs space and time. He will get downhill and rebounds well for his size. His production off the bench will be important in the playoffs.

On Monday, January 16th I attended the 6A Basha Bears hosting the 6A Perry Pumas. It was a rare #1 versus #2 match-up. Both teams came in with one loss and the atmosphere in the gym was off the charts. They literally sent people away and closed the doors.