McD 35 Jamboree Recap
The house was packed, the atmosphere electric, and the talent top notch. There aren't many better ways to start the season than that. The Jamboree at McDonogh 35 provided every bit of all those things and more with live performances during halftimes and between games. The sheer number of people in the building created a buzz that could not be ignored while the action on the court lived up to that same hype.
The first game saw Xavian McKay go for 17 in the first half as Holy Cross jumped out to a big lead on McMain. The 2nd half proved to be a bit different and McKay finished with just 20 and didn't play much. R Jones led the way for McMain with 18 and displayed impressive athleticism in what finished a 49-42 win for Holy Cross.
Next up was Warren Easton taking on perennial Top 28 participant Country Day where Brenton Jarrow (double digit scoring) did all he could for Easton but the steady play from the experienced Country Day guards was too much. Romin Williams finished with 10 points and Michael Corchiani added 3 3s and plenty of numbers across the stat line in a 34-22 win for CD.
The hosts (McD 35) took the court next against an undermanned Ben Franklin team and started the game with an alley-oop to UMass signee Brison Gresham. He and DeJon Jarreau finished with 6 each in limited minutes but the show was enough to get the gym rocking in a 39-19 win before the big match-up.
St Augustine and Landry-Walker finished tied at 30 and the game played that way the entire time. Intensity and play making were at a high level as Lamar Peters proved his step back jumper is as good as there is. He finished with 12 despite being faceguarded and doubled the entire night. For Aug, Caleb Daniels had 14 and showed off just how polished his game is becoming while Sai Fisher added 9 and steady play with the ball in his hands.
Football and small injuries kept players out for most of the teams but it didn't change the fact that there was high level play throughout the night. Some of the best players in each class were on display and players proved they are ready for the long season that awaits. Cool weather is in the air and that means basketball is here to stay!