Twin’s upset
Where else to start than with Twin Falls upset of Middleton? Century
head coach Chris Shuler told me Tuesday that Middleton had to lose someday, and
he’d love for his D-backs to at least have a shot.
But Shuler even admitted that Century would have to play nearly perfect to pull off the upset, calling the Vikings “unreal.” Well, it’s unreal that Twin pulled off the upset. The Bruins, 17-8 overall and ranked fifth in the media poll, are, obviously a good team. But … well … it’s hard to say too much considering I didn't watch the game. But for perspective, Twin’s upset has to compare favorably to at 13 seed taking out a four, right? Or how about a No. 9 seed taking out a one?
But Shuler even admitted that Century would have to play nearly perfect to pull off the upset, calling the Vikings “unreal.” Well, it’s unreal that Twin pulled off the upset. The Bruins, 17-8 overall and ranked fifth in the media poll, are, obviously a good team. But … well … it’s hard to say too much considering I didn't watch the game. But for perspective, Twin’s upset has to compare favorably to at 13 seed taking out a four, right? Or how about a No. 9 seed taking out a one?
At the same time, it’s only fair to note that Middleton’s Maya Ah You
went out of the game with an injury early. Ah You had 20 when the Vikings beat
the Bruins earlier this season.
Post Falls’ observations
I made sure to arrive at the Idaho Center early before the Highland
game to watch Post Falls.
The Trojans, very simply, were impressive. In a 50-28 demolition of Mountain View, seven players scored, including three in double figures. On the way to a 19-point first-half lead, Post Falls shot 46 percent from the field, and more impressively, held the Mavericks to 17 percent shooting for the game.
The Trojans, very simply, were impressive. In a 50-28 demolition of Mountain View, seven players scored, including three in double figures. On the way to a 19-point first-half lead, Post Falls shot 46 percent from the field, and more impressively, held the Mavericks to 17 percent shooting for the game.
I’m no scout but here a few things about Post Falls that stood out.
First, the Trojans are good. Duh, I know. But seeing a team with one’s
own eyes makes all the difference. Why exactly is Post Falls good?
The Trojans have five starters that can all shoot, handle the ball at
least to some extent and they’re athletic. And the talent goes beyond the
starters, because the Trojans have depth, too.
With size in the front court, shooting and athleticism everywhere, Post
Falls doesn't have a lot – or any – flaws to find.
Oh, and most importantly, they play together.
On offense, the ball doesn't stick. Players catch, read the defense and make a
decision (i.e. should I swing the ball on the perimeter, pass it down low to
the post, use the ball screen, etc.) and they do it fast.
The point I’m getting at here is that the Post Falls’ coaching staff
has clearly taken a pool of talented girls and molded them into an efficient, deadly
unit.
Is there, however, a flaw? Truthfully in a 22-point blowout it’s hard
to find many faults. But it did look like a few of Post Falls’ guards struggled
dealing with heavy man-to-man pressure. If Makenzie Van Sickle, the Gonzalez twins and
the rest of the Highland Rams’ crew can really get out and apply heavy
full-court tenacious defense then perhaps Post Falls will make mistakes.
But expending that kind of energy for a full 32 minutes wears down even
the best of athletes. Ultimately, if Highland wants to beat Post Falls, the
Rams have to make shots, rebound (rebound, rebound, rebound), avoid foul
trouble and play their best game of the season. Is any of that a bad thing,
though? Winning a state title isn’t supposed to be easy.
Southeastern Idaho’s success
Maybe I should have started with this thought first. With Rockland, Grace,
Soda Springs, Snake River, Century, Pocatello and Highland all picking up wins,
teams from Southeastern Idaho went 8-1. Marsh Valley was the one team to go
down (a three-point loss to Filer).
It was a great effort from all the teams. Here’s a list of today’s
games.
Rockland
vs. Kendrick 3 p.m.
at Nampa High School
Grace vs. Lapwai 8
p.m.
at Columbia High
School
Soda Springs vs.
Grangeville 6:15 p.m.
at Bishop Kelly
Marsh Valley vs.
Homedale 3 p.m.
at Skyview High School
Snake River vs. Parma
6:15 p.m.
at Skyview High School
Century vs. Twin Falls
6:15 p.m.
at Mountain View High
School
Pocatello vs. Bishop
Kelley 8 p.m.
at Mountain View High
School
Highland vs. Post
Falls 6:15 p.m.
at the Idaho Center
How many can move on to play for a state championship?
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