What was learned from Mullen-Grandview, Round 1

The Mullen vs. Grandview game earlier this week was more than Colorado’s Class 4A No. 1 vs. its Class 5A No. 1, respectively. Certainly, it was the least-attended, high-end game in state annals (no fans, just those who were termed as “essential personnel”) and without question the latest season-opener on Colorado record because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But we also learned a bit more from the top-two teams in the top classes in a game won by Grandview, which pulled away in the second half for an opening Centennial League decision by 68-53. For instance: --- Grandview’s [player_tooltip player_id="95167" first="Lauren" last="Betts"] is hands down the best player in the state. Period. Any attempt at argument is ludicrous. The 2022 6-foot-7 post had 31 points on 12-of-17 shooting and 7-of-9 free throws. She added 17 rebounds and a couple of assists. Even when Mullen got physical with her, she handled it, never blinked. No one establishes position down low like she does. And it’s time to put it out there – the junior, a Stanford pledge, has a chance to go down as Colorado’s best-ever, definitely up there with the likes of Ann Strother and Shelly Pennefather from years ago, as well as the more-recent Michaela Onyenwere and Francesca Belibi. --- Improvement? Grandview’s [player_tooltip player_id="95122" first="Addison" last="O’Grady"] has the early lead in the category. The senior scored 19 points. Previously, she had reached that total only three other times and her career high is 20. But it was the way she did it – going to the basket, establishing position on the blocks and demonstrating a soft, decisive touch around the basket using both hands. She made 9-of-12 shots from the floor and probably looked as fluid as she has in her career. When Iowa Hawkeye officials watch the film, surely they’ll be pleased. --- She didn’t score after the first quarter, but [player_tooltip player_id="117679" first="Marya" last="Hudgins"]’ eight early points kept the Wolves close and got them off to a start. The 2022’s versatility was obvious, shooting the 3-pointer, finding the open player, pushing the ball up the floor, moving the ball appropriately and displaying superior basketball I.Q. A swing wing, she’ll be asked to help out front as well as head down low, and be there for Grandview’s inexperienced backcourt that actually had some moments against the Mustangs, particularly with some key rebounds and running down loose balls. --- If [player_tooltip player_id="95172" first="Gracie" last="Gallegos"] (2022) isn’t on the radar of most Division I schools, she should be – as a two-way player, she’s about as good as it gets in Colorado. The 6-footer has guarded the opponents’ best player since her freshman season, which has been no small fete. She also helped to keep Hudgins scoreless over the game’s final 24 minutes. Offensively, she only got shots in the second and fourth quarters – head coach Frank Cawley said that will be fixed -, but had a stellar stretch right before halftime with a quick 10 points. She can both binge and do it over a longer haul. ---  [player_tooltip player_id="95130" first="Megan" last="Pohs"] can play the point as well as any in-stater. Mullen’s Regis signee is quick, protects the ball, can hurt you outside and willingly passes. Her shorter height (5-3) rarely is problematic on defense, as she anticipates well and cuts off passing lanes. A consensus is that if she was a half-foot taller, demand would have been exponentially higher. She also likes taking the big shot, makes her free throws and arguably is the most-important player in 4A. --- Mullen’s [player_tooltip player_id="116771" first="Haley" last="Van Horn"] (2021) turned offensive-minded … at least for a game. She scored a career-high 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Ordinarily known for her willingness to play defense, compete inside and modest scoring, Van Horn, the younger daughter of Keith Van Horn, the No. 2 pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1997 NBA Draft, looked smooth, was unafraid to insert herself into the offense and moved well around the perimeter. --- Until they have a rematch on Feb. 19 at Mullen, neither team will face a tougher opponent during the shortened (14-game) regular season. And unless Colorado lifts or modifies its ban on inside prep play, only a few will get to witness another round between the top teams in upper classes.