Top 10: West Linn vs Lincoln Game Recap
Prep Hoops Oregon 10 Best: West Linn vs Lincoln We take a look at 10 things that stood out to us from West Linn’s 76-65 victory over Lincoln on Friday. The Lions, playing without division 1 recruit Khalid Thomas who…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Oregon 10 Best: West Linn vs Lincoln
We take a look at 10 things that stood out to us from West Linn’s 76-65 victory over Lincoln on Friday.
The Lions, playing without division 1 recruit Khalid Thomas who sat out the game after suffering a slight knee injury in Tuesday’s opening round victory over Madison, led throughout the game, but could never completely put away the scrappy Lincoln squad. Ultimately the Cardinals had no answer for 2018 post Kieshon Dawkins who scored at will against his smaller opponents.
MVP: Kiehson Dawkins West Linn
The 6’6 junior post started his night floating around the perimeter, but once he made the decision to work inside, he established himself as an unstoppable force. Dawkins finished the night with a career high 33 points and 16 rebounds, while making an eye popping 15 of 19 shots from the field. His presence also opened up opportunities for his teammates who responded by knocking down numerous open three pointers.
Offensive Performance: Bryce Sloan Lincoln
Sloan, a 6’3 junior combo guard came into the game on West Linn’s radar yet still was able to find a way to score 18 points. He played with a poise and a pace that suggested a maturity beyond his years as he scored out of Lincoln’s offense as well as taking advantage of opportunities to attack one on one match ups. Every time that it seemed like West Linn was ready to put the Cardinals away, Sloan would hit another shot to keep them in the game.
Defensive Performance: Starting Guards Lincoln
With West Linn’s best player (Thomas) injured and out, one would expect someone in the West Linn back court to step up and take on some of the scoring load. The Lincoln guards never let their counterparts get going, as they held the Lions guards to less than 20 combined points. Fortunately for WL, Dawkins had a career night, but fans came away impressed by the defensive efforts of Bryce Sloan, Rasheed Butler, and company.
Play of the Game (Almost): Braden Olsen to Nolan Bertain West Linn
In a game filled with solid but unspectacular plays, the highlight of the night was an unsuccessful lob attempt from Olsen to Bertain. In transition from beyond half court, Olsen used his tremendous floor vision to hit the athletic 6’5 Bertain on a perfectly timed alley oop. The only thing lacking was the finish, as the ball went half way down and popped out. None-the-less, the display of passing and athleticism energized the crowd.
Best Intangibles: Branden Olsen West Linn
The dynamic Lion floor leader, managed the tempo for the Lions pushing the ball when there or slowing things down to take advantage of Kieshon Dawkins’ big game. Olsen finished with 8 assists on the night to go along with a ton of little things that fans sometimes miss but coaches and scouts value and appreciate.
Best Under the Radar Guy: Aidan Anastas Lincoln
The crafty 2018 post player impressed with his ability to score around the basket. Anastas also displayed the ability to rebound well for his position and was effective running the floor in transition. A little under the radar for the class of 2018, he appears to have the ability to rise in the rankings with a solid offseason.
Best Underclassman: Micah Garrett West Linn
West Linn has a deep and talented freshmen class (3 of them suited down for Friday’s game) but Garrett has been the one to separate from the pack as the season has moved on. He came off the bench on Friday and quickly showed that he belonged on the big stage by knocking down two key three pointers on his way to a 9 point 5 rebound night. Look for Garrett to be one of the top recruits in the class of 2020 as he plays bigger minutes and continues to expand his game.
Best Guy Off the Bench: Drayton Caoile West Linn
The 2019 guard came off the bench to steady West Linn and helped deliver the ball to Dawkins inside on his way to 5 assists. Caolie seems to have a good sense of his role and understands how important his ball handling and passing are to the Lions’ success.
Best Quote: Tyler Toney West Linn (Coach)
“As a coach, this is always the most nerve racking game, the one to get to state. Add to that Khalid’s status and I was anxious before this one. But like they always do, our guys came out and played unselfish basketball and took advantage of the match ups that lead to Kieshon’s big night”
Best Environment: West Linn Students vs Lincoln Students
A local media outlet was critical of the West Linn crowd at Tuesday’s game vs Madison. The student section showed up in force and were spirited and noisy throughout. Lincoln brought with them a decent sized student group as well, which lead to several lively back and forth exchanges. One of the best interactions part way through the 1st quarter after 2017 wing Noland Bertain hit a deep three was “Thanks for Nolan”, as Bertain attended Lincoln as a freshman. All in all, it was the kind of environment that we don’t see nearly enough these days.
Congratulations as they advanced to the final 8 for the 7th consecutive year as they continue their quest for a 5th straight state title.