5A Boys Semi-Finals Preview
By Matt Langley
www.BasketballColorado.com
3/12/2015
Game 1 7:00 – Coors Event Center – CU Boulder
Eaglecrest vs ThunderRidge
Both of these teams were considered contenders from the jump this season. Eaglecrest features quite possibly the best back combo with three very talented guards in Colbey and Elijah Ross and Peter Anderson. Then add do it all senior Blend Avdili to the mix and Eaglecrest is 21-5 and in its second semi-finals in three years. ThunderRidge has some of the states best forwards to go along with solid outside shooting. But make no doubt that ThunderRidge is nowhere close to its 23-3 record with out Elias Teidgen and Zach Pirog. Teidgen the Morningside commit make the Grizzlies go by controlling the ball and creating his own shots, while Pirog the Omaha-Nebraska commit controls the interior with his finishing ability and shot blocking/altering.
Eaglecrest wins this game if their defense creates their offense. Eaglecrest will need to push ThunderRidge of the three point line and limit Pirogs touches. The Raptors can play a half court game as the Ross brothers and Anderson can break anyone down off the dribble. But the Raptors flourish in transition. Eaglecrest must make their layups and convert at the free throw line.
ThunderRidge wins this game if the Grizzlies can control the tempo. That doesn’t mean slow down and run the four corners offense. To control the temp the Grizzlies must work inside out and limit the three point attempts. Eaglecrest is a fast break waiting to happen. Long rebounds off missed threes create transition buckets. ThunderRidge can choose it’s spots to run but they do not want to get in a track meet with the Raptors.
Game 2 8:30 – Coors Events Center – CU Boulder
Denver East vs Overland – THE REMATCH
Ok, it’s not quite THE REMATCH. There are only two Denver East Angels that saw anytime in last years semi-final game versus Overland. Nevertheless there is no love lost between Overland and Denver East. As many know Overland on paper has the best talent the state has to offer, with two D1 players Austin Conway (Wyoming) and Ryan Swan (Air Force), and consensus top 30 player in the class of 2016 DeRon Davis. East on the other hand lost 4 out of 5 starters of last years championship team, each of which had the opportunity to play college ball. Player of the year candidate Brian Carey leads the Angels. But it isn’t a one man show, East has shooter Jack Buckmelter , and rebound machine Jordan Willis. Throw in slasher Deron Harrell and this is a very solid team.
Dever East wins this game if Brian Carey doesn’t have to do it all. This is Carey’s third final four in a row. This stage isn’t new to him but for the others expect Willis, these will be the brightest lights and biggest stage they have ever played. East must get solid contributions from its role players. On defense they can not let Davis get going or let Gibson or Conway into the lane. East will need to force Overland to shoot jumpers. East can not start out slow like in the Great 8 game. They have to bring their intensity from the beginning.
Overland wins this game if they play together and keep East out transition. Overland has the size with Swan and Davis to send both guards back to stop East’s transition. Overland must also take care of the ball. They can not afford to have unforced turnovers. Which means the guards can not over dribble or make lazy passes. Overland will need to feed the big guy. Davis is a willing passer so the guards will get it back but Overland does have an advantage on the post.
