National Open Championship: Teddy’s Friday Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's my notes from Friday's action in Indy. It's a much shorter notebook than normal, as I only covered two games. I'm looking forward to the rest of the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1975416' first='Khaliq' last='Austin'] Drops 31 for PACK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My first game of the weekend saw North Dakota's PACK square off vs Indianas Legacy ICE. It was a back-and-forth game from the beginning. [player_tooltip player_id='1975416' first='Khaliq' last='Austin'] found his way both as a passer and scorer for PACK. On the other hand, Legacy was super sharp from long distance. At least four guys converted from long range early on. But late in the opening half, PACK went on a strong run to go up double figures. Keller Hertz-Barnett made some key plays on both ends. As a 6'6” forward, he defended the paint really well. But he also hit a contested 3-pointer and added a fadeaway midrange shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legacy went on a run to tie the game in the first part of the second half. A duo of Guards in [player_tooltip player_id='2607545' first='Kaysen' last='Morehead'] and Phys Cochran each played a role. Morehead knocked in a tough floater plays a step-back 3-pointer. While Cochran showcased a strong ability to shoot with confidence and make challenging shots look easy. Ultimately taking the lead off a great pick-and-roll play orchestrated by [player_tooltip player_id='2389650' first='Walker' last='Oliver']. It was close until a late run from PACK secured it. [player_tooltip player_id='1975416' first='Khaliq' last='Austin'] had a phenomenal scoring game. Dropping 35 points in a 67-60 win!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DreamChasers late surge downs Pure Hoops</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My second game of the day saw 15u DreamChasers square off against Pure Hoops. DreamChasers had the hot hand early with [player_tooltip player_id='2821857' first='Amaury' last='Harrell'] and Malaikye Taylor finding their way to the rim. Love the physical tools both have at such a young age. I think Harrell has plenty of room to grow, too. 6'7” 2028 C X Jones made some terrific plays on the inside. Including an athletic dunk while breaking off a defender in the low block. Even stretched the floor for a corner 3-pointer to help keep them in front.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pure hoops would not go away. It's a team I really liked while watching them in Chicago a couple weeks ago. And they play terrific team basketball to cap it off. PJ White showcased some nice moves attacking the rim. While Case Cosme continued to be a confident shooter. But it would take another run from DreamChasers to put this game to bed. Brayden Dennis changed the game with his fast-tempo. Making key plays on both ends. He was probably the game MVP if it had to be given out. DreamChasers used a big run late to push the lead to 20. Securing the W. Dennis led the way with 19 points and Malaikye Taylor scored 16.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->