6A Great 8 Notes: Hustle & Heart
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These athletes made their mark through timely rebounds and steals, putting their team above themselves. Their constant motors made a significant difference for their teams, every playoff team needs hustle players like these names. Reid Finch CO #85 PF #12…
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Continue ReadingThese athletes made their mark through timely rebounds and steals, putting their team above themselves. Their constant motors made a significant difference for their teams, every playoff team needs hustle players like these names.
Finch stayed active, rotating for the help side and impacting driving lanes. His strong frame and quick instincts kept Rock Canyon within two or three possessions just about the whole matchup. It is no easy matchup battling with ThunderRidge’s size, however thanks to Finch’s willingness to stay physical against anyone in the paint, Rock Canyon was in good hands on the glass. His size advantage let him stay composed down in the post, effective reading the open shooter from a kick out.
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Ellwood drew quite a few offensive rebounds, constantly roaming around the floor following a shot attempt. His lack of height oddly enough let him sneak around opposing forwards for great offensive position. They are truly selfless, the epitome of a team player, often diving on the ground for loose balls regardless of who else was flying into the play. He remains a beneficial decision maker, even while under pressure or in big moments.
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Hoefs stayed ready to crash the glass, constantly roaming around following an opponent shot attempt. His limitless motor plays a vital role in creating second chance opportunities and opponent turnovers. The guard was a steady contributor on both ends of the floor, particularly while attacking the rim, effectively getting low to turn the corner on opposing backcourt defenders. He is on a short list of guards in the state who will throw their body at anything should there be an opportunity for a steal or rebound.
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Barger was a pest on the glass from the opening tip-off, nimble and strong, pivotal creating a large swath of second chance opportunities for Eaglecrest. His motor allowed him to instill confidence in their shooters early on, getting them clean looks from kick outs or swing passes. Thanks to his quick feet maneuvering around on the help side, Barger blocked or manipulated over a half dozen shot attempts. Offensively, his assertiveness on the glass allowed him to draw a few fouls, most importantly putting Fruita Monument opposing forward into foul trouble down the stretch.
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Constantly a threat on the offensive glass, Thomason’s strength and agility has been a nightmare for opponents all season. His athleticism and endless motor kept Fruita Monument in this game until the very end, gaining plenty of entry passes while flowing along the baseline. Effective skying above opponents for rebounds or slam dunks, his outlier athleticism was on full display in this matchup.
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York aided this group on the glass, taking full advantage of his size advantage over the majority of Fruita Monument opponents. Effective getting to putbacks by getting up over the top of opponents, there was little FM could do to contain him from typical box outs, particularly throughout the first half. Although not a starter, the forward has earned his opportunity in closing lineups, always bringing energy once entering the game.