10.3 pts

Gonzaga Prep played a unique style of basketball at the Tacoma Dome, one that helped them make it back to the state title game for the second year in a row. Defense was a huge part of their success, but Groves’ inside-out shot-making also proved to be an integral factor in their run. He could bully a defender inside and get a short hook to go, or spot up outside and nail backbreaking threes. He came through in a number of key spots, none more crucial than the game-winning shot against Puyallup in double overtime.

19 pts

Groves had a nice inside, outside game working. He would bury a three, then get a strong bucket inside, bumping defenders back. He came in clutch, not just with the game-winning shot inside, but with a big three that put them up one with 30 seconds remaining in regulation.

Groves is back in the fold at Gonzaga Prep after missing some time with injuries and has been pretty solid for the Bullpups this winter. He’s still a legit threat to drop in shots behind the arc, and has been very effective using his size and strength inside to bump defenders off and get a little space to bury jump hooks. Even after losing some key guys from last year’s championship team, they should make another run this year, especially with Groves back healthy.

Groves is one of the more promising prospects east of the mountains who has a potent outside shot but has also looked real strong creating space off the dribble and hitting shots from different areas on the floor. He has a little playmaking to his game too and should be a kid who really takes off this year.

The Gonzaga Prep forward is a strong kid who can use that big body to seal off lanes and work his way to the hoop. He has a nice foundation of ball skills to go along with his outstanding outside shot and has really started to incorporate a more diverse approach offensively that has allowed him to attack from more areas. He’s got some pretty good vision as a distributor too and should help the Bullpups stay near the top of the Greater Spokane League again this winter.