NCS DII Quarterfinal University Runs Past Casa Grande

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Saturday February 21, PH NorCal was in San Francisco. CA for a NCS Quarterfinal Division II contest. #8 Casa Grande at #1 University. It didn't take long for University to take control, at the end the first qtr, University 19-11. Both teams seemed to like the fast pace. Casa Grande not having much size, University with its guards was willing to push its pace to a half-time lead 46-20. University would continue to play uptempo while Casa Grande matched the pace but couldn't convert, after 3qtrs 59-35. University would go on to win the game by a comfortable margin of 74-48. They'll play in the NCS Division II Semifinal game at home against #5 Albany February 25 in their new home.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players Who Caught Our Attention</strong><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2710992' first='Trent' last='Hawkins']: He's a long arm wing type prospect, he played with energy off the bench, up top on the full court press/trap. He had lateral movement, arms away from the body, got a couple of steals, passed up for layups, and assists. He had good movement around the perimeter, shot ready, he knocked down a 3ptr, made cuts down the middle for 2pts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2059723' first='Thomas' last='Meehleib']: He's a combo guard plays well in a fast pace game. By our count he was the teams leading scorer in this game with 13pts. He's got guard skills can settle the team to run point, or generate buckets using handles, and quick dribbles off ball for mid-range jumper, and 3ptrs. He has the vision to make long passes up court, or rebound and go coast to coast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2838675' first='Sam' last='Newmeyer']: He's 6'4 can handle and pass like a guard at times. He actively work inside like a forward on this team, good activity getting points in the paint. He rebounds, then push the pace, making good decisions with the ball, he went coast to coast once. He hit a corner 3, blocked a shot, defended from post to perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2059746' first='Lucas' last='Lau']: He's one our top guards in the NorCal Class of 2026. He's been steady throughout the season. He's shown he can generate buckets in different ways, within the flow of the fast paced offense. His ability to convert shots of various kinds, find open mates with his passing makes him a triple threat with the ball in his hands. He can drop 3's in rhythm, or pull up on the dime for mid-ranges jumpers. He has the quickness to get into the paint. 12pts in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2136700' first='David' last='Isola']: He's a multi positional prospect on this team. Considering he's the tallest starter at 6'3, he'll work his way around the post area using one and two dribbles, balancing himself, then taking it up strog around the basket. He played the high post passing, and or turning to drive. He's a 6'3 guard, can handle away from the basket, protects the ball with his body. He goes strong to the basket from different areas. He avoided charges, had 14pts in this game. He's averaging 21.6, 8.8rebs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2851837' first='Sammy' last='Cetoute']: He's a thick guard handles ball pressure up top, sees the court makes good use of his body getting defenders off balance with a bump bringing the ball up court or driving to the basket. He's not shy putting up long 3-pointers, he made a couple. He's a willing passer/ball mover.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2724603' first='Michael' last='Travis']: Plays with energy, active rebounder on both sides of the ball. At 6'4 he's a bit undersized for the post but does have good activity. He's a Soph with plenty of room to expand his overall skill set. He has foot speed, and length to defend out on the perimeter, and determination. He doesn't back down, plays hard, makes hustle plays, runs the court. Good upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zach Walcott: His movement and activity around the basket is improved this season. He understands his role, get rebounds, he's alert using his 6'6 body in the paint defending other bigs, disrupting shots. He scored around the rim, going up strong, and on balance. He's getting his share of rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->