Class B State Tournament: Quarterfinals Stars
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Class B State Tournament tipped off on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Check out the small town prospects shining on the big stage! Scores Calumet 75 over Varnum 55 Leedey 58 over Granite 42 Duke 51 over Braggs 41 Wilson 65…
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Continue ReadingClass B State Tournament tipped off on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Check out the small town prospects shining on the big stage!
Scores
Calumet 75 over Varnum 55
Leedey 58 over Granite 42
Duke 51 over Braggs 41
Wilson 65 over Frontier 50
The best performance of the day came in the final game, as the freshman was unstoppable in Wilson’s night cap victory. He’s quick on both ends of the floor and elevates with ease to finish strong at the rim. Shelburn has some wiggle to dribble to get space on drives, but was best when exploding through openings or spinning to avoid defenders at the rim. And when left open from three, he made Frontier with big three after three.
Shelburn didn’t neglect the defensive end either, as he changed the game in the final frame. On back to back possessions he blocked a shot on the perimeter, then picked a ball handler’s pocket.
It’s safe to say that Za’brien and his brothers left a lasting impression after their Big House debut. And with the youth of the quartet (two sophomores and two freshmen) expect for more fireworks to come down the road.
Kingston Arnold
Kingston Arnold
The sophomore was a productive player on both ends of the court for a deep Calumet team. He has some shiftiness when getting downhill. While also being a “right place, in right time” defender when jumping passing lanes for steals or taking a charge around the rim.
Hezakiya Satepauhoodle
Hezakiya Satepauhoodle
While it’s the sharpshooting guards who often grab the headlines for Calumet, sophomore forward looked very intriguing in spurts. He has a huge wingspan, so he automatically has potential as a rim protector. Mix in some light on his feet movements and the upside is clear. Especially with the timing he showed when he closed out and blocked a pull up jumper.
Luke Puffinbarger
Luke Puffinbarger
At first glance, Puffingberger would be pigeonholed as an undersized four, who can pass a bit. But as the game continued, the wide array of his passing ability came to light. From outlets to spark transition points, passes out of post ups, and amazing pinpoint feeds from the perimeter to cutting teammates at the rim. The senior was the offensive hub for a Leedey win.
Along with the passing, he stepped up as a scorer to help ice the game. Puffingberger drilled a pick and pop three, then hit a nice mid-range right after. The senior point forward played at his own pace, never looking bothered by the pressure of the defense or the stage.
The freshman is more of a traditional post for Leedey. He first flashed with a good block shot from behind, then continued to battle around the rim. Especially as a good rebounder. A mid-range jumper also gives some promise of skill, but he will need to work on dribbling with his head and add fluidity on post ups.
Justice Davenport
Justice Davenport
The junior was a bright spot for Granite in a loss. He has some flair and shiftiness to his game. With the ability to slide by defenders when navigating through traffic. Along with good vision and touch as a quick thinking passer. Davenport also looked smooth and confident getting into pull ups off the dribble.
A skilled off the dribble scorer, the junior is a tough shot maker. He’s able to use shot fakes to get defenders off their feet or drain contested looks. Jones hit those looks from beyond the arc, including a buzzer beater to end the first half. Along with a really nice stop on a dime, and leaner from about 10 feet.
Last but not least is one of the most explosive scoring performances of the day. Varnum came up short, but Benard lit up the scoreboard. Especially from DEEP. The big guard has a smooth, easily repeatable shot and is deadly when his feet are set and given space. He also had a couple good, fluid moves off the dribble that combined his plus athleticism with his strong frame. While his high school season ended, the small town standout looks set for a big grassroots campaign.