Kentwood vs. Federal Way

I had to go see the big man Josh Smith and see how he would play against the pre-season top team in 4A. I had to hustle down there after physical therapy in Lake City and missed the first quarter. It didn't look like it was going to be much of a game when I got there. Federal way had a 5 pt. lead and quickly pushed it to 20. Federal way is fast and athletic, they used full-court and half-court pressure to frustrate Kentwood. Kentwood is lacking a great dribbler but for the most part did a good job of passing their way around the press. There was one long stretch where they got nervous and Federal Way took advantage by forcing turnovers and getting some easy buckets, this is how they pushed the lead to 20. When Kentwood did a good job and broke the press the big man usually got a thundering dunk out of it. The ball looked like a baseball in this guys hands. It reminded of me of dunking a little nerf ball on those hoops that hang on the back of your door, that's how big this kid is. Kentwood somehow battled back, spurred by a couple of Josh Smith dunks, some impatient shots by Federal Way, and some key 3's by Tre Tyler. But they didn't get close enough in the end and Federal Way sealed the deal with free-throws. Federal Way is talented and deep, they can match up with anybody. I can see why they were picked so high. Some player comments:



Kentwood

#34 - Josh Smith -6-9 JR -Supposedly the top JR in the nation or right up there. Can't really argue with that, he's a giant, looks like Shaq, and looks like he can still grow and put on more muscle. He's got a soft touch and ok footwork. He grabbed 15 rbs and he wasn't even trying, imagine if he did! If he tones up a little more, keeps his weight but gains some quickness, he's going to be unstoppable. And he makes free throws.



#33 - Tre Tyler -6-2 JR -Somewhat athletic, ok body. Competitive and not a shot he doesn't like. He took four 3's from NBA range and made 3 of them. Needs to improve his ball handling and passing. DII/DIII



Federal Way

#11 - Michael Hale III - 5-10 SR Very quick little pg. This kid has great ball handling skills, can dribble with his head up and has all sorts of moves. He was faking people out left and right and finished with 23 to lead all scorers. He has a nice pull-up jumper as well, made a key steal at the end of the game and got fouled to end Kentwood's come-back bid. Size limits him. Low DI

#32 - Jeffrey Forbes -6-0 SR Apparently has signed with Eastern Washington. I liked this little guard, he's got really quick feet and is a great defender, his lateral quickness is excellent and he can apply pressure all day. He can shoot outside and is more of a 2 than a 1. His ball handling could improve. Very athletic.

#25 - Cole Dickerson -6-7 JR Good athletic body, good handle and touch for a big man, more of a 4 than a 5. Would be a great 4 man that can reverse the ball run the floor and make the high low pass. Athletic and rebounds well, can finish at the basket. Didn't see him shoot but if he can could be a very dangerous college player. Low DI

#5 - Andre Barrington -6-3 SR Not surprised he signed with WSU (football), plays like a linebacker, huge upper body and shoulders, hustles and plays D, sacraficed his body the whole game. Needs skill work.

#20 - Robert Christopher -6-3 JR Long athletic guard, needs to work on his feet and ball handling. Quick and can finish at the basket. Aggressively rebounds as a guard. Needs more skill work but has lots of physical potential. DII