First game with 35 second clock
Getting my first glimpse of high school basketball and the 35 second clock during the University-North Central game, I hardly knew it was there.
Although the Titans' uptempo game sometimes treated it like there were a 10-second clock - one time in transition it only took 5 seconds to counter an NC basket - time wasn't a factor in the 68-58 outcome. Both teams were able to run through their offenses and get a decent shot most times in around 20 seconds. And the Titans actually got into a bit of a passing game in the second half to find seams in the Indians extended zone defense and wound up winning by hitting 14 of 16 free throws in the final two minutes.
In other words, it was your ordinary everyday type of game.
These games don't count toward the standings so it's hard to say if the outcomes were telling, but both teams have talent and size. NC's struggling to find its identity right now, but some newcomers look promising.
Surprising Central Valley continues to win with its different lineup. Veteran seniors Scott Simon and Joe Arlt, newcomers junior Jake Estey and sophomore Gaven Deyarmin all scored in double figures to beat Rogers 61-48. Lewis and Clark topped East Valley 68-53, vets Austin Ehlo and Levi Taylor combining for 40 points. Mead beat Mt. Spokane 55-45, Aaron Dunn with 14 and Brendon Meyers with 13. Hunter Hahn scored 18 for the Wildcats. Today, Ferris is at Shadle Park for the football player hoops debut.
Mead, Lewis and Clark, Central Valley, Shadle Park and University girls all won. Sounds familiar.
Next Tuesday the games begin to count.