In the end Chaparral just played too sound for Perry. They were up by 9 points at half and kept complete control. The score of the game (95-83) confirms 2 things - Chaparral played a nearly mistake free game, and Markus Howard with 48 points can score from anywhere on the court. Chaparral also controlled the boards. I think Perry had just a couple second chance shots in the second half. They basically were betting on the first shot by Howard and help from Coby de Laveaga. Not a bad bet to make given the 48 and 17 points respectively, but without forcing Chaparral turnovers it was not enough.
Player Takes
Perry
Markus Howard - Soph -He is who I thought he was. He is impossible to guard because he has such a good handle and a knock down shot from anywhere on the floor. He is quick with both his hands and his feet. He was getting all the way to the basket, hitting running floaters, and was pulling up from deep outside. He can pull up and shoot off the dribble in the blink of an eye. I swear that sometimes he doesn't even have time to get his eyes up to the basket and basically aims his shot with his peripheral vision. He would have had more points if he didnt go down with a sore calf (assuming from the look of it).
Coby de Laveaga - Sr - He played very well. He looked taller than his listed 6-foot-1. Although he did not force a lot of turnovers against the disciplined Firebirds, he seemed to have a good sense of off-the-ball defense. He is very quick, but his fundamentals allow him to do a broad number of things on offense. He has a nice shot and can dribble well with both hands.
Kyle Van Haren - Jr - He is a good high school player and was the third best for Perry. He has the ability to run the point and game manage. He has a leadership quality about him and will continue to be an important piece for Perry.
Chaparral
Kenzo Nudo - Sr - Nudo caught fire in the second half with 22 points and 31 over all. He is a true leader out on the court. He was hitting his wide open outside shots and wasn't afraid to shoot the three with someone guarding him (but wasn't taking it up off the dribble). He does have a high release, but doesn't really shoot it with the ball on just the pads of his hand. Basically his form is consistent but it's not one of those forms where you just know it is going in. He has a very strong build. Oh and he threw down a fast break dunk HARD. I would even call it a tomahawk.
Colten Kresl - So - He had a nice second quarter with 12 points and multiple pull up shots. He can pull up and shoot off the dribble, which might even be his preferred shot. He is also just a nice play maker with a good IQ. He is another one with not the best quickness but just knows what he is doing.
Brandon Hoffer - Sr - Both an offense manager and scorer. He still has the ball handling skills that I saw from him as a freshman. He penetrates through quick changes of pace and can dish the rock. He has a low shot release but he can nail the outside shot.
Seniors Ryan Bayster and Sean Scanlon both did a great job of keeping Perry off of the boards. Like the rest of the Firebirds, they play disciplined and are reliable. Their size and solid play really balances things out for this team. Bayster was able to make strong post up moves and finished at the basket with consistency.
Player Takes
Perry
Markus Howard - Soph -He is who I thought he was. He is impossible to guard because he has such a good handle and a knock down shot from anywhere on the floor. He is quick with both his hands and his feet. He was getting all the way to the basket, hitting running floaters, and was pulling up from deep outside. He can pull up and shoot off the dribble in the blink of an eye. I swear that sometimes he doesn't even have time to get his eyes up to the basket and basically aims his shot with his peripheral vision. He would have had more points if he didnt go down with a sore calf (assuming from the look of it).
Coby de Laveaga - Sr - He played very well. He looked taller than his listed 6-foot-1. Although he did not force a lot of turnovers against the disciplined Firebirds, he seemed to have a good sense of off-the-ball defense. He is very quick, but his fundamentals allow him to do a broad number of things on offense. He has a nice shot and can dribble well with both hands.
Kyle Van Haren - Jr - He is a good high school player and was the third best for Perry. He has the ability to run the point and game manage. He has a leadership quality about him and will continue to be an important piece for Perry.
Chaparral
Kenzo Nudo - Sr - Nudo caught fire in the second half with 22 points and 31 over all. He is a true leader out on the court. He was hitting his wide open outside shots and wasn't afraid to shoot the three with someone guarding him (but wasn't taking it up off the dribble). He does have a high release, but doesn't really shoot it with the ball on just the pads of his hand. Basically his form is consistent but it's not one of those forms where you just know it is going in. He has a very strong build. Oh and he threw down a fast break dunk HARD. I would even call it a tomahawk.
Colten Kresl - So - He had a nice second quarter with 12 points and multiple pull up shots. He can pull up and shoot off the dribble, which might even be his preferred shot. He is also just a nice play maker with a good IQ. He is another one with not the best quickness but just knows what he is doing.
Brandon Hoffer - Sr - Both an offense manager and scorer. He still has the ball handling skills that I saw from him as a freshman. He penetrates through quick changes of pace and can dish the rock. He has a low shot release but he can nail the outside shot.
Seniors Ryan Bayster and Sean Scanlon both did a great job of keeping Perry off of the boards. Like the rest of the Firebirds, they play disciplined and are reliable. Their size and solid play really balances things out for this team. Bayster was able to make strong post up moves and finished at the basket with consistency.
