We Saw the Nation's 6th-Best Class of '08 Small Forward Friday Night
Clarence Trent (at right, via Scout.com) is unstoppable in the high post. This is not the only reason that Gig Harbor is destined for a deep run in the state 4A tourney. There's also their skilled post men, Ryan Stanley and Mathias Ward, and a dangerous long-range shooter, Geoff McIntire. But, mostly, it's because Clarence Trent is unstoppable in the high post.
Trent (rated the 6th best small forward in the Class of '08 by Rivals.com) is 6-8, and about 6-2 of that is legs. He's got long arms too, so he can score pretty much anywhere in the paint, but he's also got a terrific jump shot. So if you permit him to get the ball in the high post, and you don't guard him close, he'll shoot a jump shot over you. If you guard him close, he'll drive past you and lay the ball in over your post guy. You can bring that guy up to guard him, but he's a great passer, so he'll just pass it to the guy you abandoned to double-team him--usually Ryan Stanley, who can put the ball in the hoop.
This is the dilemma Hazen faced on Friday night. They got obliterated, 78-36. No help from their "fans," and we're primarily thinking here of the woman sitting near us who kept yelling "we need more height in there" at the Hazen coach. Maybe she should have checked the roster--Hazen's starting center is only 6'2". Not sure what she expected the coach to do--put his players on stilts maybe? Later, after a Hazen player missed a shot she yelled "you need to make 'em when you put 'em up!" which, of all the dumb things we've heard yelled at high school basketball games, is perhaps the dumbest. Even Michael Jordan failed to "make 'em" more than half the time.
Hazen actually put up a great fight, showing few signs of discouragement despite facing a severe talent gap--that's a sure sign of good coaching. And Hazen's Lorenzo Campbell was the best guard on the floor.
But Clarence Trent was head and shoulders above everyone--in height and skill. He's only a junior, but he may be the most complete player in the state. He provided highlight-reel moments including several vicious blocks, a breakaway tomahawk jam, and some terrific passes. If he has a weakness, it's that he's too active on the defensive end and gets himself in foul trouble.
If you find yourself in the South Sound on a Friday night this winter, seek out a Gig Harbor game--you'll be glad you did. You can also see Trent this Saturday at Bellevue Community College when Gig Harbor plays Inglemoor at 2pm in the Les Schwab Hoop Challenge.
