Rivalry Game Standouts: Denver East vs. Denver South
There aren’t many better ways to end a regular season than with an intense rivalry, and Denver hoops fans were treated to a great atmosphere as South hosted East on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Denver East prevailed 77-62 in a…
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Continue ReadingThere aren’t many better ways to end a regular season than with an intense rivalry, and Denver hoops fans were treated to a great atmosphere as South hosted East on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
Denver East prevailed 77-62 in a game plagued by excessive foul trouble and poor shooting, but both teams had stretches that showed they could be tough to deal with when the playoffs begin next week.
Below are some standouts from the game to keep a close eye on when the postseason begins.
Denver East
Jack Buckmelter, 6-2 senior point guard
Buckmelter, a high-academic player, is one of the top unsigned point in the 2016 class, and expect him to finish his career in style. He had a game-high 32 points, which included 4-of-8 shooting from 3-point range and 18-of-20 production from the free-throw line. Buckmelter has a knack for making clutch, momentum swinging shots. Every time South mounted a charge Saturday, it seemed like Buckmelter was making a dagger 3-pointer to halt the comeback bid. Buckmelter has plenty of Division III interest and could no doubt thrive at that level.
Daytone Jennings, 6-8 senior forward
Jennings showed impressive versatility on offense. He is a skilled big man whose range extends to the 3-point line. He was 8-of-14, including 2-of-2 from behind the arc, for 20 points Saturday, completing the double-double with 10 rebounds, and that was while spending a good amount of time on the bench with foul trouble and then being disqualified when he picked up a technical foul midway through the fourth. Jennings plays with a considerable amount of passion that he is still learning to harness, but he is certainly a Division-I level talent.
Joe Abiakam, 6-1 junior guard
Abiakam can seamlessly transition into both guard positions, and he was a calm and steady force Saturday in a game that featured plenty of chaos. Abiakam is strong with the ball and has good footwork that helps him create space and passing lanes. He finished with eight points on only three shots. The junior is effective at getting the ball to playmakers in scoring-ready spots, with three of his four assists Saturday setting up Buckmelter 3-pointers. Abiakam has made really nice strides this season and should be primed for a strong senior year.
Denver South
Chudier Bile, 6-6 senior forward
Bile is a special talent who perhaps does as much on the court as any player in the state. He’s incredibly active on both ends of the floor, a beast on the glass and a ferocious shot blocker. He thrives on his athleticism and athletic ability, but he is also highly skilled. He dribbled into two effortless-looking 3-pointers Saturday. He can handle the ball in the open floor and distribute.
Connor Nelson, 6-2 junior guard
Nelson is an aggressive player who has good length for his size. He’s good at driving into the lane and has a decent-looking long range stroke. Offseason priorities for Nelson should include improving explosiveness, but he certainly has some nice skills that offer promise.
Tucker Cargile, 6-0 junior guard
Cargile has the potential to be a knockdown 3-point shooter with more work. He can get the ball off quickly and has a good release. Plays tough defense. Continued ball-handling improvement will help him find more ways to get off that 3-point shot.