Big Game, Big Performers: Forwards
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Here are a few more key players from some of last week’s big games. These forwards played huge roles and came up with big plays down the stretch for their teams as they battled in some tight league games. Dylan…
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Continue ReadingHere are a few more key players from some of last week’s big games. These forwards played huge roles and came up with big plays down the stretch for their teams as they battled in some tight league games.
Wiggins had a great week and was a key guy in keeping Bellarmine in three close games. Although they lost each game, his presence helped keep them in it until the final buzzer, losing games to Olympia (by four), Rogers (by three), and Graham Kapowsin (by two). He did a great job establishing low position and if he was anywhere near the rim he was likely to put it in. He was physical but controlled, exhibiting good patience once he got the ball. He cashed in at the line when he was fouled, found some open midrange shots late in the break and working against the zone, and just provided a steady stream of buckets that kept Bellarmine competitive in three close SPSL tournament games.
The sophomore guard showed up with tough play against Bellarmine, knocking down shots early on and keeping a steady stream of activity on both ends throughout the game. He’s listed as a guard/forward and he can play around the rim because he’s so tough and scrappy, but he also brings it defensively and guards well on the perimeter. He sank two huge free throws with 5.3 seconds left in the game to seal the win for Olympia and help them move onto the next round of the SPSL tournament.
Robinson has been a solid post all season long and he kept it up Tuesday night against Eastside Catholic in an upset victory to give the Vikings some momentum heading into the Metro league tournament. He faced some legit size against the Crusaders frontcourt but stood up to the challenge, blocking a couple of shots inside, ripping down tough boards, and showed some smarts inside, mixing in some up-and-under’s to use the defense’s aggression against them. He’s shown a very matured progression to his post play this season and will be a key guy if Beach is to make a run at State.
Highlights
White made a ton of hustle plays that proved huge in a close game against Eastside Catholic and really read the floor well to jump some passes, step over for blocks in the lane, and save some balls that led to points. He also came up with some big buckets on offense, knocking in open looks with the jumper and forcing the defense to worry about him when the ball came his way.
Wanlemvo is the definition of a gap -filler, a glue guy. He’s got good size and athleticism but it all comes down to his effort and his ability to outwork most guys on the floor. He was doing work on the defensive end, tipping passes, pulling down defensive boards, showing quick when his man caught on the perimeter. He also showed some good awareness on offense to find cutters, set up passes with some baseline drives, and make some key dives when teammates got stuck with the ball. He also came up big at the foul line, doing a lot of little things that helped the Lions build the lead over the course of the game.
Clark has been outstanding all year and continued to be an anchor for the Irish against Garfield in a big win. He showed a lot of different things on the offensive end, splashing down midrange shots, driving by players from the perimeter, using a quick shimmy to open up jump hooks in the lane. He also displayed the hands to catch tough passes and quickly rebalance to attack the hoop and made some nice help side blocks on the other end.
Webb had a great defensive game against Garfield, using his length to block shots all over the court. He had one early on at the rim, then closed out to block a 3PT attempt, then came from behind on a drive to swat another one away. He was also active on the offensive glass, grabbing a couple in key moments that led directly to second chance buckets.