Ten Best: New Haven at Fort Wayne Wayne
Game Recap: New Haven at Fort Wayne Wayne
Final Score: FWW 65 – NH 63
This game was chippy from the tip to the finish. Both teams came out ready to play and got after it on the defensive end. James Gardner and Craig Young brought the offense too. This was a game and atmosphere that’s expected late in the season but it showed up in December. Wayne had a great first quarter and lead the game 18-11 headed into the second frame. James Gardner and Zach Latham bounced back a little bit in the second quarter but couldn’t get the lead to shrink. The Bulldogs were down 33-25 at the half.
The second half was a different story. Both teams decided to open it up and play more in the open floor. New Haven came out in a zone defense which lead to leak out layups and easy transition opportunities. Craig Young was outstanding in the second half including two rim-raising finishes off nice setup passes from his guards. New Haven trailed 49-51 heading to the fourth quarter after scoring 25 points in the third.
The fourth quarter didn’t disappoint. The lead bounced back and forth and both teams put all they had into the defensive end. Down the stretch the Generals were able to make winning plays that helped them maintain their lead as New Haven pushed with a couple runs. Wayne escaped with a 65-63 win behind 27 points from Craig Young.
MVP: Craig Young (Wayne)
Craig Young dominated this game throughout the night. He was extremely efficient with his touches. He lead the game in scoring and tied in the rebounding column. Young’s athleticism was on full display with his dunks and blocks as well. Craig finished with a game high 27 points (12-16 2FG, 0-1 3FG, and 3-3 FT), 9 rebounds (5 offensive and 4 defensive), 2 blocks, 1 steal, and 1 assist. He owned the paint and knocked down the fifteen-foot jumper with confidence. Young truly lead the Generals into battle and came away with the victory.
Best Offensive Performance: Craig Young (Wayne)
Young’s ability to take advantage of his touches on offense was apparent. He shot at a high percentage from the floor and got to the basket at will. He proved his ability to score the ball effectively fifteen-feet and in. Only five of his seventeen shot attempts came from outside the lane. Craig elevated over the defense to get his jumper off and exploded through the defense at the basket. He is an elite athlete with great rebounding range. Craig finished with a game high 27 points and dominated the Bulldog back line on offense.
Best Defensive Performance: Brecar Clark (New Haven)
Brecar Clark is one of those players who can get it going in a hurry on offense but never got into a rhythm last night. He’s also one of the better on-ball defenders in the Fort Wayne area and takes advantage when opposing guars get lackadaisical with the ball. Clarks length and defensive footwork put him in possession to pick pockets and jump into passing lanes. Brecar finished with 12 points (3-5 2FG, 0-5 3FG, and 6-6 FT), 4 rebounds (2 defensive and 2 offensive), and a game high 4 steals.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance: Zach Latham (New Haven)
Zach Latham is a prospect that has really started to come into his own in the past year. His offensive abilities are developing nicely and he can score effectively at all three levels. He rebounded the ball at an exceptional rate last night and. He struggled to get it going from deep but the lefty has a smooth jumper that typically finds the bottom of the net. Latham finished with 12 points (2-6 2FG, 2-5 3FG, and 2-2 FT), 8 rebounds (7 defensive and 1 offensive), 2 blocks, and 1 steal. The senior wing will continue to surprise people this season and ramp up his recruiting.
Best Quiet Impact: Kylon Jarreau (Wayne)
Kyron Jarreau found himself more involved in the offense for the Generals as junior guard Demarea Dial was out on suspension. He found more opportunities to get shots and was aggressive taking the ball to the basket from the get go. Jarreau finished with 12 points (2-5 2FG, 1-4 3FG, and 5-9 FT), 6 rebounds (5 defensive and 1 offensive), 4 assists, and 1 steal. His length at the guard position allowed him to get his shot off under duress and he was able to find open teammates when he started to struggle from the field. He will be a crucial piece moving forward.
Best Passer: James Gardner (New Haven)
James Gardner could have been in contention for all of the best accolades last night. The senior guard is on triple-double watch on a nightly basis. He was the best rebounder on the floor and he comes down from the guard position. James finished with 21 points (7-14 2FG, 0-2 3FG, and 7-9 FT), 9 rebounds (7 offensive and 2 defensive), 6 assists , and 1 steal. He relentlessly attacks the offensive glass and makes opposing guards pay for not finishing the possession and boxing out. Gardner plays the majority of the minutes and was the go to guy last night as he found success getting to the basket early.
Best Shooter: Dillion Redding (Wayne)
Dillion Redding was the unsung hero from the Generals. The senior guard transferred from Carroll and can get hot from deep in a hurry. He made some timely baskets last night as the Bulldogs were starting to make a run. Redding finished with 12 points (0-2 2FG, 4-8 3FG, and 0-1 FT), 3 rebounds (2 defensive and 1 offensive), and 1 steal. He gave them great minutes on the offensive end of the court and proved that he can guard quicker defenders.
Best Rebounder: James Gardner (New Haven)
James Gardner was all over the offensive backboard last night. He is a great track athlete and it translates to steals and rebounds between the lines. He is non-stop with his energy and effort throughout the game. He does a little bit of everything for the Bulldogs and continually puts together great games in the rebounding category. James grabbed game-tying high 9 rebounds (7 offensive and 2 defensive). He tenacity and effort from the guard position won out on a lot of 50-50 balls as well.
Best Underclassmen: Donovynn Lewis (New Haven)
Donovynn Lewis worked his way off the bench and had a great impact on both ends of the floor. Lewis made a three in the third quarter to contribute offensively but really bought in on the defensive end of the floor. He’s being used mostly as a defensive specialist at the moment because of his length and willingness to do the little things it takes to win games. Lewis is a prospect that will continue to develop in the coming years and has good potential as a 6’2” guard.
Biggest Takeaway: High Intensity Teams
Both of the teams brought great energy last night and the atmosphere down the stretch was that of a Sectional or Regional game. New Haven has a trio of senior guards that will lead them throughout the season and Wayne relies more on their junior class. Both teams are primed for great seasons in their respective conferences (SAC – Wayne and NE8 – New Haven). The Bulldogs and Generals are highly active on the defensive end of the floor and look to get out in transition frequently.