PHOTO RIGHT: Raason Young defends against sophomore point guard Shawn Stockton in Montana's first public scrimmage.
Two years ago the Griz lost a promising JC wing recruit mere weeks before the season began and struggled without success to fill the position. Last year, Oregon State transfer (and Missoula native) Jack McGillis stepped into the role.
McGillis, an explosive true small forward, played the position capably last season. But when McGillis got into foul trouble or needed a breather, Tinkle struggled to find the right combo of reserves to step up.One scrimmage is certainly not enough to say with certainty that Young is the solution to Montana’s wing frustrations. But if Young can consistently fill the lines of a stat sheet like he did Tuesday, then the Griz will be solidly two deep at every position except post, where a rotation of players will still be necessary.
PHOTO RIGHT: Young scores two points over Montana post Brian Qvale after a quick reverse baseline drive. Frosh forward Mathias Ward looks on.
Young’s 18-points of offense was only part of the story. That 12 of those points came from a slick, quick-trigger, high-release, long-range shot might instantly transform the Griz into a potentially lethal long range shooting team from four of the five positions on the floor (more about those players later).Just as impressive was Young’s lateral quickness on defense and on several slashing baseline dribble enter drives from the elbow on early offense.
Young was the only Griz player who -- on defense -- could keep up with Johnson. But, as Tinkle said post-game, he still needs work on D. But Young has the physical frame and lateral quickness of an exceptional defensive player and should make strides under the tutelage of Tinkle and assistant coach Bill Evans.
There’s time. With the season opener still three weeks distant, there’s time for Young to work his way into a role in tandem with McGillis. If he does, the Montana Grizzlies will have the depth and versatility to contend for the Big Sky Crown.
