Postseason Dime Droppers
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These guys have been instrumental in getting their teams going and making the most of opportunities in key postseason games. Check out these four playmaking guards over the last week. Jackson Pepper WA #28 SG #11 HEIGHT 6'3" POS SG…
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Continue ReadingThese guys have been instrumental in getting their teams going and making the most of opportunities in key postseason games. Check out these four playmaking guards over the last week.
Pepper was pretty quiet scoring wise early on in their game against Grandview, but even the threat of his explosive scoring was enough to open up some playmaking opportunities. He’s a guy that defenses have to key in on with his explosion to the rim and long-range shooting and this opens up a lot of chances for him to make plays for others. Even with the offense stagnant he was able to make long skips to open shooters and zip passes through the defense, to the rim from the top. Pepper got some more action to the rim in the second half and started to drop in some outside shots but continued to set up teammates and showed impressive vision with long passes over and through the defense. With the loss, Selah finds themselves on the brink of elimination, needing two more wins to reach the state tournament.
Ward was easily one of the top passers I saw from the early slate of playoff games. He’s able to set up a lot of passing lanes by bringing the ball down with pace and keeping that pace in the halfcourt with quick passes and movement. He set the tone early with a couple of quick assists on the go in the halfcourt, then buried a couple of 3s to keep the defense from being able to key in on one aspect of his game. Ward was in control for much of the game, seeing the flow, making good decisions, and fitting passes through some tight windows. He’s a really talented passer on the go and will be a key guy as Timberline attempts to keep their season alive against Lakes tonight.
The Nooksack Valley point guard was a true tone-setter in their victory over Mount Baker this past Saturday. He attacked with great balance, allowing strong takes in the paint and the ability to adjust under pressure and make the on target passes. He was a mainstay in the paint, working through the middle to draw multiple defenders and get high percentage looks for shooters. His ability to absorb contact near the hoop and finish through defenders put even more pressure on the defense to stop his drives which continued to open up passing lanes for him as the night went on. After avoiding elimination against Mount Baker, the Pioneers will now face Meridian in a loser-out/winner-to-state game this Friday at Lynden High School.
Highlights
The Sammamish senior started their game against Renton out a little slow but really got going in the third quarter, giving the Redhawks another playmaker in the halfcourt. Kariuki’s a tall guard with great physical tools and he showed how his combo of burst and length can put a lot of pressure on defenses. He was able to get downhill fast and has the ability to see over defenses so when that help defender steps up, he already knows where he is going with the ball. He made a few really slick passes off drives to the hoop and showed a lot more aggression in the second half. The tall point guard was also able to draw a good amount of fouls inside but it wasn’t enough as Sammamish fell 77-80. However, they rebounded last night with a win vs Port Angeles to ensure we’ll see more of Kariuki at the state tournament.