Clear Fork vs. Shelby: 5 Takeaways
Clear Fork went on the road and came away with a 62-58 victory over the Shelby Whippets. Once up 18 points, the Colts went to the half leading Shelby 37-21. Jared Schaefer was big for Clear Fork in the first half,…
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Continue ReadingClear Fork went on the road and came away with a 62-58 victory over the Shelby Whippets.
Once up 18 points, the Colts went to the half leading Shelby 37-21. Jared Schaefer was big for Clear Fork in the first half, scoring 12 of his eventual 14 points.
In the second half, TJ Pugh got things going for the Whippets. Eventually, getting them a short lead in the final quarter. The 6’5 Sophomore had a big time 21 points on the game, and effected the game in multiple ways.
In the final quarter, the Colts forced timely turnovers in result of defense to win this one. Brennan South was huge for Clear Fork, with a marvelous 21 point outing in the win to lead the first place Clear Fork team.
5 Takeaways:
1. Clear Fork Is The Best Team In The Moac.
Coming into the game against Shelby, I hadn’t seen Clear Fork this season. But, I knew they were 7-0 in league play, and that isn’t easy. Clear Fork, before the partial collapse easily showed be they was they best team in the MOAC. They are well coached, play tough defense, and can control the game tempo with ease. With multiple capable scorers, they have what it takes to take teams out of games quick. I fully expect the Colts to stampede to a conference championship behind Senior leader Aj Blubaugh
2. Clear Fork Plays Some Of The Best Defense Around.
Prior to the game, I had heard and seen results of the solid defense that Clear Fork plays. Tonight shower just that. Shelby was able to put up 58 points, but the Colts took them out of their game multiple times. Jared Schaefer was the main culprit, as he totaled three steals. Clear Fork plays a tough matchup and gets out on shooters quickly, also a team that plays the passing lanes really well.
3. Brennan South Is Another Good Multi-Sport Athlete.
Brennan South you can find on the gridiron in the fall, but in the winter, he’s on the hardwood. A good scorer from all three levels. South showed the ability to shoot from deep, connecting on multiple three-pointers. The quick guard can blow by and score in a blur. Another one of the Colts strong defenders, that can force turnovers. The Junior was big time when his team needed him.
4. TJ Pugh Is One Of The Best Sophomores Around.
In my second viewing of the sophomore Wing-Forward, he was impressive once again. Totaling 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals and an assist, Pugh can affect the game in multiple ways. Also, The 6’5 Whippet’ has some of the best footwork I have seen all season. With good post moves and a smooth touch inside, Pugh scores at will. Also, playing the passing lanes is a big part of his game. Going coast-to-coast off back-to-back steals really stood out. A capable shooter, but needs to expand that part of his game. Won’t be surprised if Division Two colleges start showing interest quickly in the 6’5 standout.
5. Shelby Can Be Decent, But Not Great.
Shelby has some solid senior leadership behind lead guard Uriah Schwemley, the coaches son. The Whippets aren’t very deep, and have been injury plagued. But, they still are at the middle of the pack in the MOAC. A team that can compete with any team they play, but may not always show it in the win column. Down 18 points tonight, the Whippets didn’t get down on themselves, and took a fourth quarter lead momentarily. Shelby goes as TJ Pugh and Uriah Schwemley go, as there main production players. However, It will be fun to see how the Whippets can finish the season over the next five weeks or so.