Chauncey Billups HS Hoops: Rusk leads ThunderRidge to Final 4

ThunderRidge – 56

Lakewood – 37

Denver,CO – ThunderRidge was in control all throughout the first half behind the hot hand of standout senior Taylor Rusk on the offensive end and tough interior defense. Rusk led all scorers in the first half with 13 points on 8 shots, that included three converted three pointers. On the defensive end ThunderRidge forced Lakewood’s twin post players Camilla and Kira Emsbro to catch the ball far off of the block. As a result, Lakewood only shot 6 of 18 from the field. Mac Forrest of Lakewood was an offensive spark for Lakewood in the first half. She was able to create in the paint for six of the Tiger’s sixteen first half points. Lakewood trailed ThunderRidge 26 – 16 at the end of the first half.

Mac Forrest was the only Lakewood player in double figures with 13 points.

ThunderRidge started the third with two straight baskets to stretch their lead to 30 -16. Forrest of Lakewood then scored five straight baskets to get Lakewood back in the game. At the 3 minute mark Lakewood trailed by just nine at 34 – 25, but ThunderRidge went on a 10 -2 run and never looked back.

At the end of three quarters ThunderRidge led 44 – 27. Rusk continued her hot shooting and scoring in the second half. ThunderRidge switched to a 1 -3 -1 zone to take the ball out of Mac Forrest’s hands and force someone else to score. Lakewood was never able to identify an alternative scorer. On offense, ThunderRidge patiently attacked the Lakewood pressure zone and exchanged uncontested paint finishes on offense for contested three pointers on the other end. The result was a 56 – 37 win going away.

Senior Taylor Rusk attempts a jump shot. Rusk led all scorers with 21 points.

Rusk finished with 21 points for ThunderRidge and Forrest finished with 13 for Lakewood in her final game as a Tiger. Forrest will continue her career at nearby Regis next season. Forrest’s future teammate next season at Regis Jaz’myne Snipes recorded a double-double for ThunderRidge with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Snipes also played excellent post defense the entire night.

Stats of note:

Lakewood shot better from the field than ThunderRidge, but ThunderRidge had 18 more shot attempts than Lakewood.

ThunderRidge had 19 offensive rebounds and 7 fewer turnovers than Lakewood ultimately proving to be the difference in the game.

About the Blogger: Nick Graham is the director of basketball for Chauncey Billups D1 Basketball in Highlands Ranch. Graham, who played collegiately at Washington State University trains basketball players of all ages and skill levels including many of the states top high school and collegiate players along with NBA players as well. In addition, Nick travels the country working with some of the nations top prep players. Along with leading D1 Basketball Training nationally, he also works with Spalding and many of the top trainers in the country including Johnny “Handle Life” Stephene. Through his partnership with Spalding Nick traveled to the 2016 NBA All Star game to provide youth players in the Toronto community with NBA All star training along with Stephene. Also, Nick and Stephene will lead regional All American camps this summer with D1 Basketball, Spalding and NBA players Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony amongst others. Nick’s passion is assisting Chauncey Billups in mentoring, developing and celebrating the young players and coaches along with educating and empowering parents of basketball players all over Colorado.

Follow Nick on Twitter @DreamLiveBall & on Instagram @DreamLiveBallNick  

Find out more about Chauncey Billups Basketball Training with Nick Graham @ D1sportsbball.com/Denver