Scouting report is in on Maroons, Beavers

Scouting was made easy for Park High School boys basketball coach Scott Rosberg and junior varsity coach John Willyerd Tuesday evening.

The Rangers next two opponents, Butte Central Friday in Livingston and at Dillon Saturday, squared off at the Maroon Activities Center in what for the two squads was a pivotally important Southwestern A Division matchup.

“What did we learn?” said Rosberg. “Well, we have our work cut out for us with both teams.”

Dillon, the No. 2-ranked squad in Class A and winner of seven straight, knocked off the homestanding and sixth-ranked Maroons 44-39.

Offensively, Dillon and Butte Central share many similarities, according to Rosberg.

Both are ball control teams that excel at unselfishly moving the ball around until a quality shot — both take a lot of 3-pointers — is available, according to the Park coach.

Dillon, led by Wes Knox and Brian Folsom’s nine points each, had seven different players score three or more points.

Butte Central was led by Keegan McCarthy’s game-high 18, but five teammates netted three or more points.

The Maroons had 19 3-point attempts and converted seven, while the Beavers were 5 of 14 from behind the arc.

“They’re both very patient with the ball,” said Park’s second-year coach of the two offenses.

The two teams differ on defense, according to Rosberg.

Butte Central, a squad Park routed 67-43 in early January, likes to attack with a menacing man-to-man front, he said.

Dillon prefers a pair of zones, said Rosberg of the Beavers 1-3-1 and 2-3 zone looks.

“Both of them are going to be tough,” said Rosberg. “Both teams are athletic, disciplined and very well coached.”

Park, the No. 4-ranked squad in the Class A polls, does present problems for both squads, according to Rosberg.

The Rangers, like Dillon and Butte Central, can, and sometimes will pass until the best open look presents itself.

But more often than not, the Rangers — whose two losses on the season are by a combined eight points — are running, utilizing their team speed to keep opposing defenses reeling.

“Both Dillon and Butte Central will present some problems for us. With what we do on offense and defense, we’ll present a number of problems for them,” said Rosberg. “If we play our game and play to our strengths, I like our chances against both of them.”

Friday’s tilt with visiting Butte Central is slated for 7 p.m.

The start time for Park’s matchup with homestanding Dillon is set for 4 p.m.