Backdrop – The top two teams in this week’s 4A poll squared off in a Lake Conference matchup as the defending 4A state champion Mojave Rattlers travel to Las Vegas to take on the Wildcats, in a game featuring undefeated…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inBackdrop – The top two teams in this week’s 4A poll squared off in a Lake Conference matchup as the defending 4A state champion Mojave Rattlers travel to Las Vegas to take on the Wildcats, in a game featuring undefeated teams in the conference. Mojave is coming off an impressive win vs Spring Valley, while the Wildcats have gotten healthy, and are on a roll. For three quarters the teams traded blows with Mojave taking a 55-51 lead into the 4th. However, the Rattlers erupted starting the 4th quarter with a 20-0 run. They would never look back from there as they went on to capture a convincing 79-56 victory.
Most Impactful Players
Just feels like he can take over the game whenever he wants. He’s improved his shooting and he displayed it, by knocking down a coulple threes in the game. His bread and butter is still his downhill slashing, as Shaw got to the rim seemingly at will. He finished with a game high 31 points on the night.
Best Offensive Player
For three quarters Jackson and Shaw went bucket for bucket. The jitterbug pg was the fastest player on the court, and seemed even faster with the ball in his hand. Jackson was more than a scorer, as he created opportunities for teammates with his ability to get into the lane, and create.
Biggest Sleeper
The lefty played major minutes, contributing in a variety of ways in the backcourt. He’s good in P&R basketball, and gets into the lane consistently showing the ability to score from 15 feet in.
Best New Prospect
Sims is a Swiss Army knife type player that can be counted on to score. He got most of his buckets being on the receiving end of catch and finishes. His willingness to sprint the floor, stretched the defense in a non traditional way for the Wildcats.
Best Defender
Jackson has some serious defensive instincts. He seemed to come from out of nowhere to snag the ball out of thin air. Jackson used a combination of instincts and athleticism to generate several live ball turnovers for the Rattlers. His play put himself on the radar for all defensive team honors.
Best Shooter
Like most shooters, Sherrard is supremely confident despite saying very little. He did it with his actions on this night. The junior sniper was huge in the second half, knocking down multiple corner threes to help the Rattlers stretch the lead. Sherrard’s ability to space the floor is a vital element, opening up driving lanes for Mojave’s shooters.
Best Glue Guy
The sophomore was relentless. Steven’s impact might not be found in the stat sheet, but he did a lot of little things for his team including rebounding, providing interior defense and winning 50/50 balls.
Best High Motor Player
McNeal is a player I’ve been watching since the beginning of his High School career. It looks like he’s finally realized what his strengths are, both figuratively and literally. He has a terrific frame and was not shy about throwing it around, a physically gifted high motor guy is a problem and McNeal was today. He was a maniac on the offensive backboards keeping balls alive, while retrieving offensive rebounds and hustling for 50/50’s. He scored all 6 of his points off around the rim putbacks.
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