Montana @ Stanford
tonight 7 pm (PST) tip-off (approx.)
TV: KRON 4
To say Montana is a team trying to find itself is an understatement. The Grizzlies
come into Maples with a 3 – 6 record. In their first 9 games new Grizzly coach
Pat Kennedy has started 10 different players. Montana can play big or small and
will play 9 players double digits minutes. Lots of playing time and a chance to
start makes for spirited and competitive practices. A new coach, new system and
lots of lineup combinations I am sure makes the Grizzlies a tough opponent to
scout right now.
The wings seem to be the key to the offense. David Bell, Kevin Criswell and
Steve Horne will rotate the two positions. Bell and Criswell are stand up
shooters who you can’t let get in a rhythm. The can go off for 25 to 30 any
given night. Horne is more of a slasher, can create off the dribble and is very
good in transition.
Sam Riddle and Derrick Mansell man the point. Riddle runs the club a bit
better and has a better assist to turnover ratio. Mansell may be quicker and
looks to score more. They split time pretty evenly.
Marcus Rosser, Victor Ventors, Ryan Pederson, Chris McKay, Mike Chavez and
Corey Easley team as a six headed monster down low. Rosser is a wide body. He
leads the team in rebounding and averages 7 points per game. These guys are very
blue collar and have 30 fouls to give. Stanford will have some black and blue
marks after the game. Play good D, rebound and get the ball to the wings is
their motto.
On offense this team runs a flex. Very wing oriented. Criswell, Bell and
Horne account for 60 % of their shots and 65 % of their points.
On defense Montana runs a 1-3-1 zone. They zone press in both the full and
half court. The Grizzlies will play hard and make Stanford work for their
points. The Cardinal may try to force the ball inside and get Montana into foul
trouble. Rosser is the key player down low. The others can eat fouls if Montana
wants to play hack a post.
Keys to The Game
- Good perimeter defense (defend the three)
- Patience on offense
- Score in transition
- Make free throws
The Grizzlies
Starters (My best guess)
| PG |
10 |
Derrick Mansell |
6-2 |
190 |
Jr |
5.0 ppg |
2.2 apg |
| G |
20 |
David Bell |
6-1 |
175 |
Sr |
15.8 ppg |
2.7 rpg |
| G |
12 |
Kevin Criswell |
6-1 |
185 |
Fr |
15.0 ppg |
3.7 apg |
| F |
33 |
Marcus Rosser |
6-7 |
230 |
Sr |
7.0 ppg |
7.8 rpg |
| F |
55 |
Victor Venters |
6-8 |
220 |
Jr |
3.4 ppg |
2.6 rpg |
** Bell and Venters are from Oakland and Berkeley respectively and Mansell is
from Costa Mesa.
The Bench
| PG |
4 |
Sam Riddle |
6-0 |
185 |
Jr |
2.2 ppg |
3.5 apg |
| W |
34 |
Steve Horne |
6-6 |
190 |
Jr |
10.9 ppg |
4.1 rpg |
| F/C |
44 |
Ryan Pederson |
6-9 |
215 |
Jr |
3.1 ppg |
2.4 rpg |
| C |
54 |
Chris McKay |
6-11 |
235 |
Fr |
2.0 ppg |
1.7 rpg |
| F |
30 |
Mike Chavez |
6-7 |
210 |
Fr |
2.1 ppg |
2.2 rpg |
| F |
52 |
Corey Easley |
6-8 |
220 |
Fr |
1.3 ppg |
1.0 rpg |