Prep Boys Basketball: R.A. Long, Mark Morris hype for high-stakes Civil War
Rivalry Preview — Getting to know the Lumberjacks and Monarchs with N2/BZM
Nick Sisson and Jordan Nailon for Blast Zone Media
High School Boys Basketball
Nick Sisson / N2 Media
One of the fiercest boys’ basketball rivalries in Washington State renews tonight in Billy’s Barn at Mark Morris High School when the Monarchs welcome R.A. Long from across Lake Sacajawea and down Nutty Narrows lane in a mid-season high stakes 2A Greater St. Helens league matchup.
It comes as very little surprise that both R.A. Long and Mark Morris find themselves tied atop the league standings, along with Columbia River, with triplet records of 5-1. In fact, both the Jacks and Monarchs stand at 11-1 currently on the season and the margins between the two are razor thin in just about every category. No doubt the winner of tonight’s hoop-a-palooza will have a leg up on their counterparts heading into the home stretch of the regular season, but the result will not mean doom and gloom for whichever side comes up short in the box score.
The Ides of January summons your trusted Blast Zone soothsayers to prognosticate the game and heed warning of what can be expected once Kings' Court is officially in session.
Let's focus on the current affairs in this 2024-25 season first. With both the Jacks and Monarchs identical in record, what can we point to that can possibly foretell how the game could play out?
With R.A. Long it’s no secret where they might have an advantage. Depth and overall size. The Lumberjacks have the tandem of Cam Newsome and Jeff Rooklidge to call upon off the bench that contribute in many different ways. Newsome is a guy that can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. Also, his ability to apply pressure to opposing guards and force turnovers is another valuable attribute. Rooklidge provides fantastic shooting and has shown the ability to utilize a quick first step and work around defenders on his way to the basket.
The size aspect really boils down to R.A. Long having a true 6’9” center on the floor in Rhet Young. His ability to get in good position down low on the block has provided R.A. Long two things; easy buckets, and second chance opportunities and put-backs. Josh Crane is another guy that is extremely athletic and long at 6’4”. Surely, Mark Morris has something that can equal or even tip the balance of the scale in their favor?
Jordan Nailon / Blast Zone Media
When you're talking about the Monarchs the conversation has to begin with Dalton Stevens. The senior wing should be in the conversation for players in the state who have made the biggest jump from season to season. He's long been able to throw down a dunk on the run, but now he'll post you up first. Then he'll hit a 3-pointer and laugh. And that's when he throws down the yam in the kitchen for dramatic effect.
However, it's actually Carson Bogner who is the cornerstone for Mark Morris. The 6'3" forward seems to set every important screen, knows every back cut by heart, and can read a rebound like old farmers read the horizon for rain. He can put the biscuit in the basket, too, and could easily mess around and wind up leading the Monarchs in scoring.
If you're looking for more big bodies to throw at RAL's Young in the middle like he's Lakers era Shaq, then Mac West is your man. The 6'0" senior post looks like he read "How to Be an Inspiring Undersized Center" — by Dossen Morrow — in the offseason and took it to heart.
Matchups to Watch
NS: My Monopoly money is on Drew Ibarretta vs Payton Thill. The point guards will have a massive impact on the outcome of this game.
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