Great 8 Preview
By Matt Langley
www.BasketballColorado.com
3/5/2014
Denver, CO – The 5A Great 8 afternoon at the Coliseum is one of the premier sports events in the state. The 2015 event is no exception as all four #1 seeds are still alive as well as last year’s champs.
Game #1 Legend vs Eaglecrest 1:00 pm Tip
Eaglecrest has been here, done this before as four starters have played in the Great 8 before. Meanwhile none of Legend’s talented juniors have played any meaningful minutes at the Coliseum. Both head coaches have state championships on their resumes and have some of the states finest assistants.
Eaglecrest wins – If the Raptors defense can force the Titians into defended, forced shots or poor shot selection. Teams typically do not shoot well from deep in the caverness Coliseum and the Raptors need to use that to their advantage. Recent UCCS commit Blend Avdili will have his hands full rebounding against four player 6’3 or better on the floor at most times for the Titians. Raptors will need to win on the boards.
Legend wins- If the Titans can slow down the talented Eaglecrest guards. There may not be a better guard tandem in the state than the Ross brothers of Eaglecrest. Elder Elijah is a UCCS commit and Colbey is just a sophomore that plays with the skill set and swagger of a senior. Then throw in one of the best pure athletes in the state Peter Anderson that is a legit basketball player and the Titans have a tough task on their hands. The Titans do a have a size advantage and will need to figure out a way to keep Eaglecrest from getting into transition where they excel.
Game #2 Mountain Vista vs Overland Tip 2:30
Both teams where here last year and in fact advanced to Boulder with both losing in the semi-finals. Overland has the name recognition with Wyoming signee Austin Conway, and consensus top 30 PF junior DeRon Davis. Mountain Vista has two Western State signees seniors Brady Subart and Ray Beresford that are hard to guard.
Mountain Vista wins: If the Golden Eagles can out run and rebound the Trailblazers. Coach Wood has a great system that lets his team get long outlets and attack the basket. Subart and Bereseford are solid rebounders but 6’7 sophomore Jake Belknapp will need to be a force.
Overland Wins: If the Trailblazers can jump out early, dominate the boards and don’t fall in love with the three point shot. Overland will need to make a couple of three pointers but can’t stay out past the three point line all game. Junior pg Reggie Gibson will need to be solid with the ball and put his teammates in a position to succeed.
Game #3 Chaparral vs ThunderRidge – Tip 4:00
It’s match up number three for Chaparral and ThunderRidge this year for these Continental League rivals, with each team winning a game.
Chaparral Wins – If the Big 3 of Coon, Holtzman, and Moody can control the game while the other Wolverines contribute positively. The other Wolverines must chip in and take advantage when they get their chances. As in the last match up the Wolverines must force ThunderRidge into shooting challenged shots from deep.
ThunderRidge Wins – If the Grizzlies take less three’s than two’s. The Grizzlies are guard oriented and love the three point shot. But in the 22 point loss to Chaparral on Feb 17 they shot 9 of 30, yes 30 from the three point line while only taking 18 two pointers. Grizzlies big man Zach Pirog must get more than two shots from the field. Chaparral has two players that are capable of taking over the game in Holtzmann and Moody, the Grizzlies must keep both from going off.
Game #4 Denver East vs Regis Jesuit Tip 5:30
Another rematch game from earlier in the year when it took a last second shot by Taylor Kallsen to give Regis the two point win. Another rematch between coaching legends Rudy Carey and Ken Shaw should be fun as well.
Denver East Wins: If they follow the blue print that was laid out by ThunderRidge. Keep Regis off the 3 point line and play a tough defense that forces the guards to put the ball on the floor. Senior point guard and Texas Southern commit Brian Carey doesn’t need to score 40 points for the Angels to win but other Angels must be confident and convert opportunities. Senior Jordan Willis will need to control the ball.
Regis Jesuit Wins: If the Raiders control the boards and contain Carey. Carey is the force behind the Angels and it’s pretty much a given that he will get his 20 points. However, the Raiders can not allow him to get 30 plus and 8-10 assists. They need to force someone other than Carey to beat them. Kallsen will need to be his normal solid self. Fellow seniors Kip Borylla and Bryan Staerkel will need to help Geoff Kelly in the paint.