Ten Best: Championship Game J&C Classic
The Championship Game of the J&C Classic between #2 McCutcheon and Twin Lakes took place this evening at Lafayette Jeff High School in Lafayette, IN. The game had that late season, tournament-like feel from the tip. Twin Lakes came ready to play and jumped out to an early lead over McCutcheon which they took into the half (29-20). McCutcheon came out of the half with a fire lit under them. They jumped all over Twin Lakes and caused some turnovers that lead to quick buckets and just like that, it was a one possession ball game. Phinisee was more aggressive in the second half and lead McCutcheon back into the game. Twin Lakes made the defensive stops down the line that they needed to in able to finish off the game 52-50. Twin Lakes is the J&C Classic Tournament Champions.
MVP: Bennington Twins (Twin Lakes)
The Bennington brothers were great all tournament and Bryce was named the tournament MVP after the game. Bryce finished with 12 points (2-4 2FG, 2-3 3FG, and 2-2 FT), 7 rebounds (5 defensive and 2 offensive), 6 assists, and a steal. Blake Bennington finished with 11 points (2-3 2FG, 2-4 3FG, and 1-2 FT), 2 rebounds (1 defensive and 1 offensive), and a steal. The twins were the focal point of Twin Lakes offense all night and made their presence felt all night long. If McCutcheon was stopping one, the other was going off.
Best Offensive Performance: Robert Phinisee (McCutcheon)
Phinisee got off to a slow start from the field but was getting some good looks. He finished the game with a game high 16 points (5-10 2FG, 1-5 3FG, and 3-4 FT), 9 rebounds (5 defensive and 4 offensive), 3 assists, and 2 steals. It’s not that he wasn’t getting good looks all night, he just wasn’t able to get the ball to go down. Phinisee brought the Mavericks back in the 3rd quarter single-handedly scoring 7 straight at one point.
Best Defensive Performance: Haden Deaton (McCutcheon)
Haden Deaton was talking on the defensive end all night long. He is the team’s vocal leader on both ends of the floor. He ended the game with 10 points and 3 rebounds but was more impressive with the 2 blocked shots and 2 steals. He always seemed to make the big defensive play for McCutcheon when they needed it most. His tenacity on the defensive end of the floor will set the tone this season for the Mavericks as they look to make another deep playoff run.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance: Eddy Collins (McCutcheon)
Eddy Collins finished the game with 14 points (2-3 2FG, 3-11 3FG, and 1-3 FT), 3 defensive rebounds, and 2 steals. The three 3’s that Collins hit came during big moments. He was fouled late in the game on a game-tying three-point attempt but was unable to sink the FT’s to tie the game. He is known for being a shooter but was still able to get himself open shots with the help of his teammates.
Best Player Off-The-Bench: Michaiah Galvin (Twin Lakes)
Galvin came off the bench for Twin Lakes who really only went six deep all night long. Galvin finished with 6 points (2-4 2FG and 2-2 FT), a defensive rebound, and an assist. Galvin gave Twin Lakes good minutes and was consistent with his play. He is not a big time scorer or flashy player, but he gets the job done. He battles inside for position and uses his 6’2” frame to bother guards and forwards alike. Twin Lakes will need good minutes from Galvin all season to be successful.
Play of the Game: Matt Conrad (Twin Lakes)
There was a two-possession series where Conrad hit deep threes from the right wing that got the crowd into the game and put Twin Lakes back ahead. He has a nice looking jump shot and those threes really helped get the momentum back in Twin Lakes favor in the second half as McCutcheon was looking to make a major push.
Best Intangibles: Kris Goodlow (Twin Lakes)
Kris Goodlow has one of those motors that never steps. Goodlow was relentless attacking the glass and took three charges throughout the night. He doesn’t fill the scoring column but he does the little things that helps Twin Lakes win big games, like last night’s Championship Game. He battles with players bigger than him and is scrappy for loose balls on the floor. His three charges all came during McCutcheon runs and seemed to swing the momentum 180 degrees. His charges also got the crowd into the game and made it a playoff-like atmosphere.
Best Rebounder: Robert Phinisee (McCutcheon)
Phinisee took the first half personally and came out in the second half with something to prove. Aside from his aggressiveness going to the basket, he finished the game with a game high 9 rebounds (5 defensive and 4 offensive). His long frame and unmatched athleticism allowed him to soar over the opponents and grab the rebounds at their highest point. He is also able to take the rebound and start the break which lead to a few quick baskets for McCutcheon.
Best Underclassmen: Michaiah Galvin (Twin Lakes)
Galvin was the only man, outside of the starting group, that saw significant playing time in the Championship Game. The sophomore played a total of 18 minutes in the contest and was a solid role player for the Indians. He made the right play each and every time that his name was called and never did anything outside of his ability. He did everything that Twin Lakes needed him to do to help seal the win against the more athletic McCutcheon team.
Biggest Takeaway: McCutcheon Off to a Slow Start
McCutcheon came out of the gate firing but couldn’t get it going from the field. They never really did finishing the game 39.1% from the field (24.0% from deep) and a measily 66.7% from the Free-Throw line. Twin Lakes’ defense was outstanding and deserves credit for not letting McCutcheon get into a groove. They mixed it up all night throwing different zones at the Mavericks who never got in their rhythm offensively until it was too late.
Congratulations to the J&C Hoops Classic Champions, the Twin Lakes Indians.