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High Point Preview
High Point Preview
Whacker
Published by Whacker
12-03-2007
Smile High Point Preview

CINCINNATI (OH) – The High Point Panthers (3-3) wrap up a three-game road trip at Dayton this Wednesday night. High Point was picked to finish first in the Big South ahead of perennial favorite Winthrop.

Head coach Bart Lundy (70-52) in his fifth season at Winthrop (185-93 overall) is still searching for the missing ingredient to get his team over the hump. They have lost in the conference tournament semifinals for three consecutive years and signature road wins have been non-existent.

This season High Point has missed opportunities against Charlotte, Utah and Gardner-Webb, while pummeling the likes of New Jersey Tech, Warren Wilson and Longwood.

"We have just got to find a way to be more successful on the road," said Lundy.

Returning and pre-season Big South Player of the Year Arizona Reid averaged a double-double in those losses, but team defense and lack of a consistent second and third scoring option has been a recurring problem.

Senior forward Arizona Reid (6-5 205) will be the focus of Dayton’s defensive game plan. Last season Reid was AP honorable mention All-American and one of just two players in the nation to average over 21 points and nine rebounds per game (Kevin Durant was the other).

“Obviously it starts with Arizona Reid. He is our go-to man. We need for him to have as good of or even a better year than he had last year,” said head coach Bart Lundy in the pre-season.

So far, the do-everything Reid has delivered averaging 24 points and nine rebounds per game while shooting 55% from the field and 40% on three-point attempts. The versatile Reid is relentless on the glass and on defense. He leads the Panthers in offensive rebounds (19) and steals (14).

Charleston Southern coach Barclay Radebaugh says Reid is "pound for pound, the most productive player in America."

Reid is quick with a good handle and is a tough match-up for most defenders. On the blocks, he will exploit slower defenders with an explosive first step where he can finish with either hand. Reid has an arsenal of shots in his repertoire including a nifty turn-around in the post, a lethal mid-range jumper and he can knock down triples when left open.

Senior point guard Mike Jefferson (5-10 190) led the Big South in assists last year (5.1 apg) and is averaging 6.7 per game this season. Jefferson has a good feel for the High Point offense, but most important knows where and when to get the ball in Reid’s hands. Jefferson is an inconsistent shooter (30% on 3FGA) that will occasionally catch a hot streak like the one against Utah (4-9 3FGA).

Sophomore guard Eugene Harris (6-2 175) was named to the Big South All-Freshman team and Big South All- Tournament team last season. Harris is a spot-up shooter that benefits from the constant double-teams thrown at Reid. He’s averaging 10.2 points per game and 43% on three-point attempts mostly on kick-outs from Reid.

Sophomore center Cruz Daniels (6-11 215) anchors the Panther’s defense. The skinny shot-blocker allows High Point to gamble on the perimeter.

“Cruz Daniels led the league in blocked shots last year playing in just 12 minutes a
game as a freshman," said Lundy. "He has really developed his game and his body."

Daniels gets most of his blocks coming from the weak side and has a knack for when to challenge shots keeping him out of foul trouble. He’s pulling down 5.2 rebounds and has blocked 11 shots while averaging 19 minutes per game.

Freshman David Campbell (6-4 200) and junior Melvin Crowdy (6-4 215) split time on the wing. Crowdy has looked tentative after playing injured for most of last season. Campbell has been a surprise. He plays hard, defends well, rebounds and protects the ball. With a little more confidence on offense, Campbell should blossom.

Sophomore guard Tim Burns (6-0 165) rounds out the backcourt rotation and has proven to be a competent ball-handler and better than average shooter.

Senior forward Jerald Minnis (6-7 235), who would have started, was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon in the pre-season.

High Point will come out shooting and won’t stop till the horn sounds. They are hoisting 24 three-point attempts a game and the triple is a cornerstone of their offensive philosophy. Most teams, which live and die by the three, don’t have a player like Reid. He allows them to generate open three-point attempts on kick-outs and cleans up the glass when they miss. Lundy will play 9-10 players a night with Jefferson, Reid and Harris getting the bulk of the time.

Like the rest of High Point’s opponents, Dayton will have to double-team Reid. Dayton has been effective using the double-team without being predictable. They’ll force Reid to skip the ball or make multiple passes to get an open shot something he’s not used to doing.

Dayton needs to get the ball in the post against Daniels, even if it doesn’t generate points. He’ll wear down eventually if he’s forced to bang against the Dayton post-players every possession.

The Dayton guards must keep Jefferson in front and contest every shot. If they make sure to get run-outs and a hand in his face, he can shoot the Panther’s out of the game.

Coming home after two emotional road wins and with Louisville looming on Saturday, this is a potential trap game for the Flyers. High Point has a potent and balanced offense, but their commitment to defend the perimeter and rebound has been lacking against better opponents. Their pressure defense causes turnovers, but also gives up too many easy baskets. Dayton fans could actually see the Flyer’s fast break successfully with the long rebounds and quick shots generated by High Point’s offense.

Brian Roberts and Chris Wright should be primed for a bounce-back game after struggling on the road against Holy Cross. The match-ups are favorable for Charles Little to have the type of game Flyer fans expected at the beginning of the year. Wednesday night should make for a very entertaining night of basketball.
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  #1  
By San Diego Flyer on 12-04-2007, 06:25 PM
Great review. So good it's scary. I'm not sure the HC review was that intimidating.

Could be a potential NCAA opponent this year. (just for you tman )
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