Best Of The Week

As the week came to a close I decided to go back and take a look at all the ND/SD games that I did and pick out the top players and performers from a big week of exciting basketball games.    Big man 6'9 scored 27 points/grabbed 13 rebounds along with a few steals and couple blocks in a win vs rugby last monday night. He showed why he is one of the elite players not just at his position but for the entire state. Handles the ball very well for a big man of his size also. Matchup nightmare for opposing teams as he can nock down the three ball one trip then post up and go to work with sweet footwork and soft touch for scores with the left or right hand.     Eli scores the ball with the best of them putting up 28 points vs region opponent Bishop Ryan last monday. At a very long and athletic 6'4 Eli has no problem getting his shots off or getting to his spots on the floor to score the basketball. With nice handles and a quick crossover hes able to beat bigger defenders to the basket for above the rim style finishes. He has unlimited range from three and does have to be guarded at 24 feet.     Izaac put up 22 points/handful or rebounds vs MLS but it was the way he got his 22 points that was impressive. Nocking down four three's two from the corner and two from the wing areas and also by attacking the basket off the bounce with power. Very strong and athletic player (moves his feet very well for his size) he is able to guard every position on the floor defensively. Showed great anticipation and quick hands also defensively as he had a couple steals leading to easy points.     Gage has been putting up consistently big numbers this season and tuesday night was no different as he poured in 20/10 vs district opponent Ekm. Not just an inside threat this year as in years past, gage will step out and nock down the occasional three also. Hes developed a nice mid range game to add to his arsenal. Gage had several offensive rebound putbacks for scores vs Ekm and when he wasn't able to finish those he found himself shooting freethrows and he has shot alot them this season. At 6'5 his length is disruptive enough inside but then add on the athleticism he has to go with it and you soon see why hes having such a great season and is a very difficult matchup for opposing teams.     Brogan put up 22 points in a ot win vs Medina and the rebels needed every last point. Brogan nocked down a couple huge threes late in the 4th quarter to keep his team with in striking distance. The combo guard did it all in the game grabbing a handful of rebounds/assists along with a couple steals and a few floor burns. Had a super tough and 1 baseline jumper late in the game. Beautiful left handed finish off a nice drive and kick for a a score through contact.     Luke had 16 points vs medina and they all came in the second half as he came up clutch especially in OT scoring all 6 overtime points for Ekm in a 64-61 victory. He had some great post up scores vs a smaller guard as his listed 6'2 is misleading for he looks and plays alot longer then that in person.     Trenton put up 21 points vs Northern Cass, not just a three point shooter (something he does very well) but also does a ncie job of attacking the basket on hard closeouts and being able to finish through contact with either hand. His middy pull-up game was working and showed nice footwork off a two foot jump stop in the paint for an up and under basket. High IQ player with great off ball anticipation on the defensive end of the floor. He knows hes gonna be guarded tightly on the perimeter and is smart enough to not force shots and also stay aggressive going to the basket. He had a couple nice passes to open teammates for assists when the defense rotated to stop his drives.     Aiden added to his already stellar season with a 19/12 performance vs Garrison on thursday. His activity level is off the charts as hes always around the ball on both ends of the floor, scoring/getting steals/deflections/rebounds or assists on kick outs when hes doubled (thats very often the case anytime he touches the ball this season). Super athlete thats long and strong he guards all 5 spots on the floor and makes it look easy at times. Just a do it all player and teammate, doesn't get enough credit for how hard he works when he's on the floor.     Human highlight reel everytime hes on the floor, putting down a two handed hammer off a break away and also adding a LeBron style chase down block from behind. He put up 29 points vs Velva on saturday and made it look easy and effortless at times. Ty hit three 3's one from 24ft but also gets to the foul line on a regular basis showing he doesn't just settle for jumpers and attacks defenders who dont close out properly. Has great strength and body control finishing at the basket with his left or right hand.     Buzzy put up 21 points in just three quarters of work vs Mahpiya on tuesday. Love his handles as hes got as quick a crossover and ball handling skills as anyone. He doesn't just score at a high rate he always seems to have more energy and give a little more effort then pretty much eveyone else on the floor. Freak athlete who's almost impossible to keep off the offensive glass and is always around the ball. Does everything very well and can tell he loves being around his teammates. True leader on the floor and will do whatever it takes to help his team get the W.     Wesley put in 26 points thursday vs Mobridge and did it in a variety of ways, scoring in the half court offense, transition baskets, offensive rebounds, and attacking the basket off a hard shot fakes. Showing a quick first step and beating his defender wesley was able to get to his spot early and often hitting several pull-up jumpers. Active player on the O Boards he scored on putbacks or got fouled and scored attacking the line. Nice job finishing tough shots at the rim showing good strength.     Shooter scored 22 points vs Sully Buttes hitting three 3's and all from college range. At 6'5 he easily gets his shot off and over most defenders who try to guard him. With a very quick release and good footwork he needs very little room to get hist shot off. Shows a nice pull up game when defenders crowd him on the perimeter and definitely can put the ball on the ground when he wants with good ball skills and crossover.     Keegen had it rocking and rolling sat vs Mobridge as he went for 32 points. To say he was on 🔥 from three would be an understatement as he hit 6 of them and shot a very high percentage also. Did not matter what Mobridge tried to do tracy was gonna do what he wanted to in that game. He was an absolute thief on defense with 5 or 6 steals and all but one leading to easy baskets. Keegen had a realy nice tough lefty finish against heavy trailing pressure off one of his steals. Added handful of assists, couple off of nice PNR Action with fellow teammate gage sippel.

As the week came to a close I decided to go back and take a look at all the ND/SD games that I did and pick out the top players and performers from a big week of exciting basketball games.