3 Takeaways: Battle vs. Father Tolton

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week we covered Hickman vs. Father Tolton in a much anticipated matchup. This week it was Father Tolton and Battle facing off in Columbia. The storyline of the night was [player_tooltip player_id='1419857' first='Aaron' last='Rowe'] looking like himself. He's back and better than ever. The Mizzou commit had a game high 30 points and was explosive in the open floor. That was the difference as Father Totlon won 71-59.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1419857' first='Aaron' last='Rowe'] backs up his 4 star status.&nbsp;</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rowe looks completely different from a week ago during his debut. He's energized, got to his spots, and made well over half his FG attempts. A dominant mid-range player who can rise and fire over length. He showcased incredible leaping ability multiple times on transition dunks. Rowe is a highlight reel player who gets the crowd going. Defensively his on-ball effort stood out. He sped the Battle guards up had opportune steals. Rowe has added a dynamic element to this team and tonight was a sign they're figuring out how to play together. This is a dangerous Tolton team heading into the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1430519' first='Tate' last='McCubbin'] dominates for Battle.&nbsp;</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCubbin, the 4th ranked senior in the state, had 15 points and was excellent on both ends. He started the game out making two jumpers that showed his high skill level at 6'8. McCubbin followed this up with threes where he made defenders fall, and one finishes, a lob dunk, and a poster dunk late in the 4th quarter. It was a complete performance. He also added multiple blocks on the defensive end. This is a premier two-way player in the state. McCubbin has an improved motor and improved athletic ability.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Father Tolton front court continues to produce. </strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jeremy Osborne starts [player_tooltip player_id='1160819' first='Javar' last='Galbreath'] and Will Fretwell. Both look good playing next to each other. Galbreath is a downhill, attacking 6'6 forward who can score with his back to the basket and chases down rebounds. Fretwell is an athletic rim running 6'8 big who has a very high motor. Both had an impact on this one. It was Galbreath who stood out early with his touch at the rim and ability to create putback opportunities. He's a solid senior who can help a small college at the next level. Fretwell is a multi-sport player who has serious upside should he continue to keep playing basketball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->