Summer League News and Note (6-12)

ABR was present for three summer league games Monday evening.  And we witnessed some good basketball.  Cross Creek, maybe this summer's most improved team, extended its undefeated record to 3-0 with a convincing win over Evans.  Westside led throughout its 48-36 win over Thomson.  And Butler defeated Josey 42-41 after Ronald Jones' late basket gave the Bulldogs the final lead of a tight game.  Below we provide our observations and video highlights from these games.

Westside vs Thomson

6'4" Westside guard Frank Booker dissected Thomson's full court, trapping man to man defense, attacking the basket off the dribble and finishing over smaller defenders, finding open teammates, and scoring in a variety of ways.  And Booker got help from junior Rashon Taylor, who also created opportunities while attacking the defense.  And Sophomores Jamari Griffin and Quinton Phillips knew what to do with the ball after teammates found them.  Watch the highlights directly below to see the Patriots in action.

Butler vs Josey

This was one of the most entertaining games of the young summer.  The two teams are quite similar.  Both are led by a senior forward with a great deal of experience and leadership ability.  

Josey's Kyle Doyle (6'6") was very effective scoring in the paint off the dribble and in the post, and he repeatedly found teammates for easy baskets when the defense focused on keeping him out of the paint.  And Butler's Ronald Jones (6'6") scored in the post and rebounded effectively throughout the game.  Jones also made a three pointer and multiple jump shots off the dribble.

But Doyle and Jones both got help from their smaller teammates.  Sophomores Darius Williams (Josey) and Dontae Coleman (Butler) attacked the basket constantly in transition and nailed jump shots in the half court offense.  And senior Marquis Leverett (Butler) ran the Bulldogs offense, scoring at key times.

After Leverett gave Butler a late 4 point lead (40-36), Doyle drilled a three pointer and Williams scored on an inbounds play to give Josey a 41-40 lead.  But with less than 5 seconds remaining, Jones scored on an inbounds play to give Butler the victory.  Enjoy the highlights directly below.

Cross Creek vs Evans

After establishing an early 12-1 lead, Cross Creek cruised to victory over Evans, earning its third win early in summer league play.  Watch the highlights below to see how the Razorbacks jumped out to the early lead.