Early Summer Impressions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Summer just getting started and teams playing in different events across the state and out of state we take a peak at some teams that should make some noise next year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Owyhee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team just reloads as they have two solid players that will hold it down next year among others. [player_tooltip player_id='1568017' first='Liam' last='Campbell'] is just a go getter, he brings his hard hat to work and he knows he is in for a battle and he is willing to do whatever to get things done. This past weekend at the great Western Classic in Utah Liam was showing why he is so valuable and highly rated. He was getting buckets from all over, he does not settle for jumpers and he moves the ball around. He is not a ball stopper as he lets the flow of the game come to him. He was also able to get to teh rim and draw fouls. I was really surprised by the great play of Jayce Allen who was all over the floor. Jayce was able to do a little bit of everything to help the team win or compete. The new addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1454669' first='Logan' last='Haustveit'] is big time, because he is not just a let's get everyone into the offense player as he just gets into the paint and creates but he can also score the ball as well. Then you have the big fella who is getting more aggressive on offense in [player_tooltip player_id='1716581' first='Jackson' last='Rasmussen']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Hillcrest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hillcrest has some notable names but it is the role players that are really going to make the difference when they leave Idaho and play in Utah or in Arizona as they will need players that will make shots because they get a lot of open looks. [player_tooltip player_id='1646244' first='Talan' last='Taylor'] has the ability to be a true number two type of player out there and when you have such a willing passer in [player_tooltip player_id='1568018' first='Isaac' last='Davis'] you need to hit open shots and take advantage of the over help he is going to get. Then you have another sharp shooter on the floor who get get going quickly in [player_tooltip player_id='1715640' first='Titan' last='Larsen']. Titan has a great catch and shoot option and when the ball moves he can really get in a rhythm. The other thing that he can do is take smaller guards in the post and use his strength to muscle up shots on the block. [player_tooltip player_id='1378465' first='Ike' last='Sutton'] is the player that at times sets the pace because he gets up and down the floor quickly and even when he doesn't have the ball he takes off because he is trying to get an advantage up the floor. He is a player that is playing with a high motor right now and he is a player that just makes tough shots. Then you have one of the best players in the country in [player_tooltip player_id='1568018' first='Isaac' last='Davis'] who sis just a force in every way on both ends of the floor not only scoring but dishing the ball. Likely the best passing PF in the country. This team will be tough to beat in-state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Pocatello</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Poky has three players that really get this team going and it might not be enough this year but we will see. Poky does have one of the most dynamic guards in the country in [player_tooltip player_id='1378464' first='Julian' last='Bowie'] who just played out of his mind in the playoffs last season. Julian will transition to the PG next year and frankly he is ready to play at the college level now the way he is built and the foundation of his shooting and explosive play making ability and shot making ability. Julian is quick and very comfortable running the PG at the highest level. His shooting has big time range and he is just getting better. Kesler Vaughn has really stepped his game up a bit as a ball handler and facilitator but he is scoring better now and when he just takes that first step and goes he is tough because he is quick and low to the ground on his dribbles. Gage Ontiveros is making strides as a 6'9 C who has room to grow. if he can get some plays to get deep paint touches he will be a game changer. Having him catch the ball where he has to make too many moves is still developing. This team is intriguing but they do have a trio of players that can get them to the title game again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lapawai will be tough as long as they have [player_tooltip player_id='1171620' first='Kase' last='Wynott'] on the squad they will be force in that small school division. Look for him to lead the state in scoring and possibly rebounding as well. Century should be a lot better this coming season as they have some pieces that could elevate their team. Rocky Mountain has some tough guards mixed with some size that could really help them. Madison plays so hard that they will be a tough out once again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->