Gill St. Bernard’s-Franklin: 5 Takeaways
Gill St. Bernard’s did not get off to a good start in 2020 as the Knights were upset by St. Joseph(Montvale) on New Year’s Day. Franklin came into the game riding high as the Warriors had won their last three…
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Continue ReadingGill St. Bernard’s did not get off to a good start in 2020 as the Knights were upset by St. Joseph(Montvale) on New Year’s Day. Franklin came into the game riding high as the Warriors had won their last three games. Gill St. Bernard’s dominated this Skyland Conference showdown as the Knights cruised to a 74-46 road win. Four different players scored in double-figures for the Knights as they improve their record to 5-2 on the season. Here are five takeaways from Gill St. Bernard’s-Franklin.
1. Zach Martini and Mackenzie Mgbako are one of the top frontcourt duos in the state
Mgbako may only be a freshman, but he is a vital piece for a top-10 team in the state. The 6’7 forward had a game-high 17 points as Franklin could not stop him from scoring inside. Mgabko’s ability to play inside-out opens up space for Martini in the post.
The Princeton commit poured in 14 points, but it was his ability to distribute the basketball that was so impressive. Martini’s passing opened up shots for teammates around the perimeter. Mgbako and Martini are two talented forwards that creates one of the top duos in New Jersey.
2. Will Soucie is one of the most underrated top play-makers in New Jersey
The North Alabama commit only scored 13 points in the game, but his impact went further than his scoring. Soucie started off the game with steals on back-to-back possessions and played solid defense throughout the night. He also had a sweet behind-the-back pass which drew oohs and ahs from the crowd.
Soucie was able to get into the paint at will as Franklin could not stay in front of him. His only blemish on the night was a couple of missed three-pointers. Soucie is a terrific player who is capable of making plays every time he plays.
3. Anthony Milligan is a complete guard
The Warriors struggled with their offense as they only scored 22 points in the first three quarters. Milligan had a team-high 10 points for Franklin, but his best play did not come on the offensive end. The 6’3 shooting guard blocked Martini late in the second quarter to prevent an easy bucket.
Milligan was a capable ball-handler and did not waver under Gill St. Bernard’s constant pressure. His shooting was off for most of the night, but he was able to knock Franklin’s only three-pointer. Milligan is a talented player who can do-it all from the shooting guard position.
4. Drew Kania is the X-Factor for Gill St. Bernard’s
Tristan Jeffries‘ sudden transfer from Gill St. Bernard’s left a scoring void that needs to be filled. Freshman Isaac Hester is a talented player, but he does not possess Jeffries’ size. Kania was not the first guy off the bench, but he still ended up in double figures.
The 6’6 sophomore ran the floor well and understood how to get open around the basket. He gobbled up rebounds on both ends of the floor and showcased a good shooting stroke at the free throw. Kania struggled with foul trouble against Franklin, but the sophomore forward is definitely an X-factor for the Knights.
5. Franklin is an underrated shot-blocking team
The Warriors may only have two players who are listed at 6’3, but they still block a lot of shots. Milligan swatted a much bigger Martini, while Demi Alao and Edward Turay also altered shots at the rim. Ikenna Eluwa struggled with foul trouble, but the junior guard also ended the game with at least one block. Franklin may be an undersized team, but the Warriors know how to block shots around the rim.