GOBLINS GIVE IT UP, GET MORE POINTS

The Harrison Goblin basketball team can attack a team two ways. First, the team can take their defender one-on-one and score. The second way makes the team a tough team to beat. Harrison’s group of five starting seniors can pass the basketball. The team has played many games together, not only in a Goblin uniform, but during the summer as well. Being familiar with each other and knowing what their teammates are going to do makes it easy to distribute the basketball. “This team has a great chemistry,” said Harrison coach David Stahler. “They know each other well and have faith in each other. They are all willing passers. They are never worried too much about stats other than winning.” With great passing comes a tendency for the team to be too unselfish. “Yes,” said Stahler when asked if his team makes one too many passes. “We talk about overpassing quite often.” All of the Harrison players have the ability to penetrate, which allows the players to show their skills at finding the open man. The Goblin offensive sets allows the team this freedom. “We do a lot of Euro cuts and the kickout pass is always an option off of penetration,” said the coach. “We talk about moving off penetration as a mode of attack.” Good passing always starts with the point guard. Tanner Curry has held that position since he has been in high school. “Tanner has been our floor general for three years,” said the coach. “Our team knows he can beat his man at any time and they also know if they rotate to an open spot, then they will receive the ball in a scoring position.” Harrison’s secondary ball handler is Braeden Boren. “Braeden is the most improved player on the team,” said Stahler. “He is a much improved 3-point shooter and has a unique ability to get to the rim. With his quickness, he also can really set his teammates up for the great shots off his drive.” Another three-year starter for the Goblins is post player Trevor Atwell. “Trevor has been playing varsity since his freshman year,” said the coach. “He has the ability to play in or out. He is a willing passer and sees the floor very well. “He can handle the ball and has led us in 3-point percentage for three years,” continued the coach. “Most of his turnovers come from being too unselfish and not looking to score.” One of the players that takes advantage of the great Harrison passing is Jackson Marseilles. “Jackson is the quiet assassin,” said the coach. “The chemistry really shows with him. He knows exactly how to play off of the other guy’s strengths. He has a nose for the basket and he reads defenses very well and gets open to get the basketball.” Harrison has a spot up shooter in Nathan Jenkins. “Nathan is very similar to Jackson in that he plays well off the other guys passing ability,” said Stahler. “He is extremely effective at running our system. He is a very high IQ player.” The Goblins will play their final home game of the season tonight as they say good-bye to the Spook House. The squad has already earned the top seed from their half of the conference race and will play in the 5A-West District Tournament on Monday at 7:45 p.m. A win on Monday will move them to a 7:45 contest on Thursday night. The finals will be held at 7:45 on Friday evening.

GOBLINS GIVE IT UP, GET MORE POINTS

JEFF BRASEL

Harrison Daily | 2/16/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Harrison Athletics