Observations: Sauk vs. Melrose boys hoops

by Bryan Zollman

Some observations from Tuesday night's game:

- The Streeters look 100 percent better on offense
- A healthy Tyler Berling makes the team so much better. It takes pressure off Michael Knoblauch and allows him to find more open shots. Isaac Winters seems to be getting better looks down low. Berling also brings leadership onto the court. He's one of those players who makes those around him better, evidenced by the increase in team scoring the past several games since he returned from an injury.
- Terrence Ellis showed some promise with a great instinctive play in the second half. Ellis followed up on a teammate's errant shot (he came out of nowhere) and in one motion scooped up the rebound and glided in for an easy basket. He looks like he could be a good player down the road if he works hard and builds confidence.
- The Streeters' inexperience shows at times. At one point there were three sophomores on the court in a close game. Melrose's depth really was the difference. The youngsters on this year's Streeters team, however, are gaining valuable experience which should translate into confidence in 2011.
- Sauk did not match up well with Melrose's Reller, whose size and strength in the post translate dinto 22 points.
- Melrose's Jordan Primus was Melrose's best player tonight
- With Bryce Hentges, Isaac Winters and Berling all capable of scoring 15-20, and if Michael Knoblauch can get hot from long range, Sauk could surprise a team or two come playoffs.