Prep Hoops 10 Best: Hermitage vs. Glen Allen
An instant classic in this rivalry of neighboring schools, the championship game of the Jaguar Jamboree went to the wire, and again, and again. The game took two overtimes to decide, and every time the game seemed to be over…
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Continue ReadingAn instant classic in this rivalry of neighboring schools, the championship game of the Jaguar Jamboree went to the wire, and again, and again. The game took two overtimes to decide, and every time the game seemed to be over someone made a big time play. Hermitage was in control the entire game, leading by 10 heading into the fourth quarter. Glen Allen chipped away throughout the quarter, and senior Tommy Dietrick hit a deep three with three seconds left to send it into overtime. In the first overtime, Glen Allen looked to be in control, until Hermitage senior Rahki Person finished a tough drive to send it into the second overtime. The Panthers were able to take the lead midway through the second OT, and hit their free throws to seal the deal 68-65. Still, it was a valiant effort by Glen Allen, and one of the best games so far in the early season.
MVP | Rahki Person | Hermitage ’17
Person has been lights out for Hermitage all season, and it was no different last night. He was a big reason that Hermitage got out to a quick lead, scoring 12 points in the first half. He was even bigger down the stretch, scoring half of his 28 points in the fourth quarter or overtimes, and hitting the most important shot of the game for them that sent it into double overtime.
Play of the Game
While Person’s shot was just as important, the nod has to go to Tommy Dietrick’s bomb that sent it into the first overtime. Dietrick had the hot hand in the fourth quarter, already scoring eight points in the quarter before hitting the shot. As you can see from the video, it was at least from the NBA line, and without that shot this classic isn’t quite as great.
Best Offensive Performer | Rahki Person | Hermitage ’17
Person was not only the high scorer for both teams, but he showed a lot of dog down the stretch for the Panthers. Known primarily as a knock down shooter from deep, all 16 of his second half points came from inside the arc or from the free throw line, as he refused to settle for deep shots with the game on the line. He helped will them to a victory, and he should continue to fill it up for them all season.
Best Defensive Performer | Jamil Burrell | Hermitage ’17
As the only healthy big man for Hermitage right now, Burrell did a great job protecting the paint without getting into significant foul trouble throughout the game. He moved his feet well against perimeter defenders, rebounded well on the defensive end and was always in the right place in help side defense.
Best Guy off the Bench | Hajj Wilson-Lamb | Hermitage ’17
The senior wing brings a lot off the bench for the Panthers with his length and ability to run the floor. The 6’4” lefty can shoot the midrange, helps on the glass and can defend multiple positions or create havoc in their press. He finished with six points and helped in a number of ways that didn’t show up in the scoresheet.
Best Intangibles | Tim Coward | Hermitage ’17
Coward has been forced into a point guard role this season for Hermitage, and while he’s struggled at times he was big for them down the stretch in this one. In double overtime, after he was called for a questionable travel while attacking the closeout, he came back and hit a big three for the Panthers that put them up for good. He finished with 13 points, and his leadership and calm demeanor was big down the stretch.
Best Under the Radar Performance | Eniola Akinfolajimi | Glen Allen ’17
At all of 6’2”, Akinfolajimi is an absolute load to handle in the paint. He wasn’t much of an impact in the first half, but he still finished with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, all 15 of those points coming int he second half. A strong presence in the post, Akinfolajimi owned the offensive glass, and finished multiple three-point plays as he shook off fouls like they were flies.
Best Underclassman | Christian Butler | Glen Allen ’19
(Photo courtesy of RVAGamebreak.com)Butler may only be 6’0”, but his arms go past his knees and he’s jacked beyond his years. A slashing wing at his best, Butler attacked the rim aggressively time and time again, and was the only one who didn’t go cold in the second quarter when Hermitage made a big run. He finished with 12 points on the night for the Jaguars.
Best Utility Player | Toreaz Settles | Hermitage ’18
Settles didn’t shoot the ball that well, but his versatility was big for Hermitage throughout the game. Settles played every position from shooting guard to center for the Panthers, and finished with nine points and seven rebounds in the win. If he can continue to put out the effort he does and shoot it at a more consistent and efficient rate, he’ll be a key player for them throughout the year.
Best Catch-And-Shoot Player | Justin Brown | Glen Allen ’18
How they didn’t get him more touches is beyond me, because Brown was an impressive 3-for-5 from deep, including two big triples in the fourth quarter during their run. The 6’1” Brown showed that he can hit from deep off the catch or off the dribble, and showed a cold blooded mentality down the stretch. As his role continues to grow, expect to hear more from Brown moving forward.