Thursday Night Kenner 7/29

The Clyde's/DCX match-up came down to one call on the low block and the Charlie Rangel look-alike referee made the right call (I suppose that's how you can tell the look-alike from the real thing). Up one, Clyde's gave DCX the last shot after a turnover when Vee tried to force it to Vaughn and then missed a 3 pointer, DCX had a fast break and took it to the rim but right at the defender and got the charge call with 3 seconds left. Clyde's 60 DCX 59

Clyde's had no bench and Julian was gulping air by the end of the game, including just standing at the opponents FT line for a whole offensive possession with 3 minutes left to go, but he still was effective using small bursts of energy. He spent a lot of the game posting up and I was most impressed with his hands- he managed to catch multiple tough incoming passes.

Vee struggled, he was able to get into the lane with ease, but it only went downhill from there. Whether block or missed shot, he just wasn't able to put the ball in the hoop.

It was the first full game of Benimon's that I've seen and I was pleasantly surprised. His defense on Vaughn was very good, he was very active fronting him and created a few turnovers when people tried to go over the top. He was active around the hoops and managed to put back a few offensive rebounds. Otherwise, his offense game overall is still exceptional timorous. I kept count for the last ¾ of the game and, I am quite serious, he was averaging less than one dribble per touch on offense. The only time he looked to do anything was pass was at the end of the first half when his man slipped on a sweat spot on the floor and fell to the ground (he drained it, his no arc shots/free throws are surprisingly effective). Unfortunately the final minutes he caught the ball on on the arc, dribbled to the block and then back to the corner using seven dribbles and dashes his incredible ratio. One would think in Kenner league of all places, he would try to open up his offensive game at least a few times- just even the hint that he was looking to do something other than pass would be a huge advantage. All in all, I realized Benimon is going to maintain his minutes at least when the matchup dictates. For strong swing men like Kris Joseph, Benimon is likely the only one who can D them up and I'm sure he will get the opportunity to do so.

The Tombs were played tough by the scrappy Bowie State Bulldogs but pulled away in the end, 73-55. Freeman was back and seemed almost fatherly (this was enhanced by his wristband that a spot on it that reflected light exactly like a wristwatch does). He took over for a few bursts, but otherwise, spent a lot of time dishing and encouraging the Frosh. One play in particular on a two on one break, Austin during the regular season 10 time out of 10 with a smaller guard between him and the hoop will use his body and power to the rim. Last night he dished behind his back and Aaron Bowen swooped in for the flush.

Bowen played a completely different role than he has the last few weeks- not attempting a jumpshot once, but running hard and making a different in transition with his very good speed and leaping ability.

Nate Lubick has quick hands, which cuts both ways. It acts as a neutralizer when face guarding quicker opponents because he is effective at batting the ball away, but it will definitely cost him some cheap fouls. Bulldogs played small (sometimes really small, there was a maybe 5 8 guy out there on Hollis in the post for one possession, luckily he was pulled quickly) so Nate and Moses just subbed on and off for most of the game. Nate was pretty gassed during his long stretches- I think conditioning alone prevent Nate and Vaughn from shoring up the post positions (Henry's got to be able to be a steady contributor and I am suspecting he might be opening day starter over Hollis).

Speaking of Hollis, he looked solid, was able to play both inside and out against a smaller team and looked average, though not confidence instilling, when he took the ball up the floor a few times. He has a great ability to finish layups near the hoop once he gets his momentum going into the lane.

And the man of the hour, Markel Starks, has impressed the last two weekends, but I thought Thursday night was the best I've seen him. There cannot be a long list of guys in college hoops that can stay in front of him. He played a flawless first half, completely under control, drawing fouls at the hoops, kicking to open shooters, hit shots, playing tough defense- he elevated the play of everyone on the team. The highlight for me was a defensive one where he spoiled a 3 on 1 break. I am not sure how his feet kept up with this movement, but he lunged forward and looked like he was fully committed to the man with the ball, jump back and then recovered to his left to knock the ball out of bounds in a single, continuous movement. Such great quickness and composure. The second half contained a few miscues, but overall the steadiness continued and hit a couple threes on the run that blew the game open. I'm am chugging down the Markel kool-aid- this kid is going to be a player for us this year.