You're right on, Brint!
#1 -- Hutchison: Hutch has always been a pretty solid zone defender, but his work on offense against Weber State last night was the best I've seen of him. His two offensive boards were tip-ins on missed drives... converted second-chance opportunities. But more impressive were his rolls to the bucket (from the hi post) for dishes from Jordan Gregory and Keron DeShields. He didn't rush himself, in fact actually did a double-clutch on one of his buckets. Impressive. Yes, I've been one of the posters who's been baffled at our post play. But Hutch answered big time last night, as well as Chris Kemp in a crucial first-half stretch after Hutch collected his second foul. I'd happily, and publicly eat crow (or my hat, or whatever) if our posts keep these stats up for the remainder of the year.
15 points from the 5 from here out would put Montana on a path to repeat at Big Sky champs. For Griz fans, but mostly for our maligned bigs, I hope Hutch, Kemp and Martin continue their improvement. Sky's the limit.
#2 -- Last night's win featured a textbook Kareem performance. Yet it was a new chapter, as he shredded the Weber State D from the 4 position. Whatever position he plays, Kareem draws a double team. Last night I marveled at how powerful he is in the blocks. No one could stop him. He's quickly learned how to employ a variety of power post-up moves, double clutches & head fakes. I swear, at least six of his shots were clear and unimpeded because he'd faked out his (two) defenders completely. Awesome. If he'd started his career as a 4 he'd KJ would be right where he is today... among the 20 best players in Big Sky Conference History (a ranking he'll assume within the first five minutes of play on Saturday).
Of course this move for KJ from 1-2-3 to the 4 has all been made possible by Mario Dunn, who's already well on his way to being one of the best-rebounding point guards I've seen @ Montana. With Mario at the point, Keron slides to 2 and Jordan plays a small, but capable wing. A lot of new dynamics on the floor last night. What it all means is that no defense can pack the paint anymore & double Kareem on the perimeter. That allows for the dribble enter & dish to the post players somewhat easier as well, because someone has to keep an eye on the 4, keeping the defenders in the blocks honest. The Weber State bigs were baffled, and it hurt Tresnak, since he had to slide over & help on D... eventually fouling out.
