Pleasant Hill v Warrenton (Dayton tournament day three)
This game was...weird. It felt like Warrenton won, despite losing. Here are some takeaways:
Warrenton reminds me of the 2014-15 OSU men’s team. Drastically outnumbered, at a talent disadvantage, but they’re so disciplined and fundamentally sound that they can compete in any game.
Part of that is the fact that they don’t rush. Ever. OSU barely had a bench. Because of this, they never went on a fast break even if they could. Warrenton isn’t quite to this extreme, but the pace of the game never consumes them.
The other component is they can run through their offense 5-6 full times in a row and not get frustrated. They understand who they are and play within their means. That’s really impressive for December 21st.
Warrenton commits themselves to the Defensive end to such a degree, and do it effectively enough, they’re going to be a real team. They're a legitimate contender for the league title.
Devin Jackson for Warrenton is a man amongst boys strength-wise. If there’s a rebound for grabs, it’s his. It’s like watching a fullback go up against a bunch of punters in an Oklahoma drill. His 3 to win it at the buzzer rimmed out, but nonetheless he caught my eye.
Pleasant Hill is a real team. Are they the best team in their league? No. Are they a playoff team? Most likely.
Reason 1: They have playoff level talent and a Coos Bay experienced coach.
Reason 2: They understand who they are. Pleasant Hill and Warrenton are similar in this respect. They’re more turnover prone than one would like but nonetheless are on the fast track to an automatic bid into the playoffs.
Forgot how eccentric P-Hill coach Matt Thornton is. Not a bad thing, just forgot. Definitely is a high energy guy. Entertaining to watch.
Long term, both of these teams should be in the playoffs. P-Hill might have a tougher go of it, seeing as they’re in the same league as SC, Creswell, and a suddenly reborn Harrisburg, but nonetheless should be right there come February. Watch out for Warrenton...That’s a dark horse team to make it to Coos Bay purely because they’re right in the thick of things to win their league. Win your league, you get a home game in the first round. Get a home game in the first round, anything can happen. But even if they end up on the road...
Defense travels.