Five Takeaways: Douglas County versus George Washington
Brendan Temple is the real deal One of the pleasant surprises to start his senior season has been 6’5 wing Brendan Temple. Temple is a versatile wing that can put it on the floor or also knock it down from…
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Continue ReadingBrendan Temple is the real deal
One of the pleasant surprises to start his senior season has been 6’5 wing Brendan Temple. Temple is a versatile wing that can put it on the floor or also knock it down from beyond the arc. He went 7-12 from the field for a game-high 20 points while knocking down two 3-pointers against the Patriots on Monday evening and continued his hot streak of scoring double digits in every single game this year. Even more impressive is his ability to rebound the basketball. He came down with 10 boards again, his third straight game of doing so and is close to averaging a double-double for the season. He is a leader and is looking to up his game and looked to be the best player on the floor on the night that is garnishing plenty of attention and is a player that college coaches should gravitate towards soon.
Four players in double-digits
For Douglas County it was a game of effort as they had four players finish in double digits. Temple led the team with 20-points but others contributed as well while remaining aggressive throughout the game. Mikail Zadeh finished with an impressive 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists as him and TJ Boykins (10 points, six assists) won the point guard battle on the night and sophomore Cooper McBride also showed up with 11 points while knocking down two 3-pointers. Douglas County showed that they are a deep bunch that you have to attribute for so many players at all times and they showed that they are not afraid to grind out an aggressive game.
GW does not look the same
George Washington has been a powerhouse for the past few years even making the championship game a couple times in that time span. They have been a relevant bunch that you looked at the schedule and had to be prepared for but this year they just do not seem to be clicking. While they have the pieces, they are not on the same page and bringing the same intensity that has been there and in essence has led to some tough losses. They have a star of the future in sophomore standout Kendale Johnson who did not play bad and is their scoring leader as well as a man in the middle in Malik Patton and are missing a guard to step up and get them in the right spots. Johnson is going to get his points regardless and is a player that demands the ball and is willing to take the big shots. Kingbed Ageymang also was aggressive in this game and stood out which shows that GW has the pieces, just when will they come together?
Big fourth quarter for Douglas County
The game stayed close and was tied heading into the fourth quarter at 45 a piece. But that was when DC put together their best quarter of the game and proved that they have to be taken seriously as they are capable of closing out a team and locking down on the defensive end. Douglas County won the quarter scoring 24 points and only limiting the Patriots to 12 points. They forced George Washington into making errant passes as they easily had over 20 turnovers and made them pay in a big way finishing with easy baskets on the opposite end. Douglas County sets the tone offensively as they play with great pace and have the personnel to score in bunches, but where they really stand out is forcing the turnover and turning those into scoring opportunities. Douglas County will present plenty of mismatches for teams and will have to exploit those opportunities each time out. Consistency will be the key.
Moving forward for both units
For GW it will be about bouncing back and getting back on the right track. What the Patriots have to do is find a way to get their big-time players the ball in easier ways. Kendale is a player that will be able to easily score on the baseline. He is a slasher that has a good feel around the rim. Patton also can score in the post which means that GW will have a unique approach of beating teams inside/out rather than outside/in. The Patriots also struggled with limiting turnovers in this one. The easy fix: slowing down the pace. With having a guard or player that is willing to take care of the ball and slow it down while the offense gets set the Patriots will be able to do what they do best. They do not have the same team that they typically have that attacks you from start to finish with a fast-paced wear you down game so it will have to be a different approach this year. Get your stars the ball in places that they feel comfortable. GW can make up some ground especially in the Denver Prep League if they are able to win their next game as they are up against a Denver North team that is off to a surprising start and in second place in the DPL. Righting the ship is crucial.
Douglas County has to continue winning games before they get into the thick of league play. They are in what looks to be the strongest conference in the state as there are easily nine capable teams in the Continental league, every win matters. The Huskies have won seven games in a row and welcome in a very tough Columbine team on Wednesday that will be looking to knock them off so making sure that they continue to play well and finish out games strong will be something to look forward to.