Thunderbird at Moon Valley: Varsity Standouts

On Tuesday, January 17th I attended the 4A Moon Valley Rockets hosting the 4A Thunderbird Titans. The Titans were ranked a top-10 team in 4A and the Rockets were in the top-20.   The game was fairly close throughout and the Rockets started hot with a 19-11 1st quarter lead but only led 30-27 at halftime.   The Rockets once again started the second half strong again and led 51-40 heading into the 4th. The Titans closed it to a three point game, but could not score and the Rockets pulled off the mini upset and earned an important region win at 66-63.   <h2>Here were the varsity standouts</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1757700' first='Damion' last='Miller-Coleman'] Moon Valley (Pictured left)   A thicker scoring guard who is tough and fearless. He will rebound with the post players and run through contact at will. He shockingly had five and-1's. His ability to go fast and use impressive body control among the post players made it possible for those tough shots. He has a nice floater game and he will rattle off some triples to round out his offensive game.       [player_tooltip player_id='1757701' first='Kevin' last='Gray'] Moon Valley (Pictured right)   An undersized scoring lead guard had a good night. He is very fast in the open court and has a nice first step to blow past his defenders. He has the floater game and can pull-up from mid-range. He also manages to get to the line often and can facilitate in transition.   [player_tooltip player_id='1444278' first='Hayden' last='Turberville'] Moon Valley    A power forward with a nice touch. He was bigger then everyone on the court and he made them pay in the paint. He caught multiple tough passes for layups. He ran the court and even stepped out and can hit the three. He has a quicker release and grabbed rebounds in his area.     Edward Boone PF 6'3 2024 Moon Valley   A long forward is their post player. He defends and will rebound and alter many shots. He can score it efficiently in the paint on drive by's and put backs. He made a critical tough bucket under a minute to go up and help them earn the win.   Daniel Murray PG 5'6 2023 Moon Valley   An undersized defensive scoring lead guard is skilled and tough. Hit can hit the three plus from mid-range. He is a pit bull defender and will collect steals with his lower center of gravity, quick hands and feet. He will throw open teammates for assists.      [player_tooltip player_id='1633016' first='Aidan' last='Rampley'] Thunderbird   A long and lean combo guard plays on or off the ball. He handles a lot of the point guard duties and moves the ball plus can handle pressure. He can shoot the three plus get into the paint and spin off of his defender for a bucket. He has quick hands to collect steals.    [player_tooltip player_id='1757944' first='Marshall' last='Kerly'] Thunderbird   My first view of the senior wing forward. He is a sharp shooter with deep range and comes with a quick release. He has pretty good size and is smart. He moves without the ball and uses his frame/build to score inside. He had multiple deflections, as he seemed to always have good positioning on defense.    [player_tooltip player_id='1757699' first='Paris' last='Strozier Jr'] Thunderbird   Another newcomer for me has a lot to like. He has a smooth handle and moves well. He is very long to deflect passes and collect steals. He is very patient in the post and can score inside. He can make the three but is best getting downhill. He is a tough kid and he sees the court well and makes his money on the defensive end. He surprisingly had 7 steals to go along with his 11 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.   [player_tooltip player_id='1444282' first='Ryan' last='Calcaterra'] Thunderbird    A scoring guard had a tale of two halves. Although in foul trouble, the entire first half, he popped off in the second half carrying his team to almost comeback and win with 18 points. He rebounds well for a guard and is smart off the pick and roll to throw a dime. He will hit threes off the catch or dribble. He can drive by using a burst and score on layups and is good in transition.   [player_tooltip player_id='1633055' first='Will' last='Clark'] Thunderbird    A burly framed power forward can score inside and step out from elbow and in. He can rip thru to score on offensive rebound put backs and layups. He grabs tough rebounds with his toughness and strength and he is a sneaky good passer. He works well off the pick and roll game and he is the force in the paint for the Titans.   [player_tooltip player_id='1756481' first='Kellen' last='Braddix'] Thunderbird    A long good sized sophomore pure point guard comes in off the bench and he may start next year. He has real quickness and will throw passes up the court. He can score on drives and put backs. He uses his length and quickness to defend the ball. He is one to track once he gets heavier minutes.

On Tuesday, January 17th I attended the 4A Moon Valley Rockets hosting the 4A Thunderbird Titans. The Titans were ranked a top-10 team in 4A and the Rockets were in the top-20.