10 Best: Sidwell Friends vs. Saint James
WASHINGTON, DC — Sidwell Friends defeated Saint James by a final score of 50-41. Here are the 10 best from this hard fought MAC contest.
MVP | JASON GIBSON | SFS ’19
With NC State commit Saddiq Bey out due to injury, Jason Gibson understood that his role would have to expand, and he took it upon himself to make sure his team locked up this important victory. The class of 2019 guard pulled down nine rebounds, and hit 12 of 16 free throws on his way to a game-high 23 points.
BEST OFFENSIVE PERFORMANCE | JASON GIBSON | SFS ’19
Gibson displayed deep range off the bounce, but also proved that he wasn’t afraid to mix it up in traffic and attack the rim. He didn’t shoot it particularly well from the field, but he made up for it with his efficient foul shooting.
BEST DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE | DIMA ZDOR | SJ ’18
Dima Zdor was plagued by foul trouble for a majority of this game, but he managed to record two impressive blocks. At around 6’8, he is a good leaper who actively contests shots at he rim.
BEST REBOUNDER | ANTHONY GARCIA | SJ ’18
Anthony Garcia is a new face on our 2018 radar, and he was probably the best player on the floor for Saint James in this contest. The unsigned senior, who recorded a double-double, showcased a great feel for the game along with a high motor.
BEST GUY OFF THE BENCH | DEAN MAZLISH | SFS ’19
2019 guard Dean Mazlish came in and knocked down some timely jump shots from the perimeter in this one. He also helped Gibson with the primary ball handling duties.
BEST UNDER-THE-RADAR PERFORMANCE | JACK LEWIS | SFS ’19
Jack Lewis got off to a hot start from the field, scoring the first 7 points for Sidwell. The 6’3 lefty, who scored 11 points, is crafty with the ball, plays with a high motor, and has good range from on his jumper.
BEST PASSER | ELIJAH WILLIAMS | SFS ’19
Elijah Williams recorded 3 assists in the fourth quarter to help his team secure the win. The 6’5 wing demonstrated good patience, composure, and unselfishness down the stretch.
BEST CATCH AND SHOOT GUY | CALLUM BAKER | SJ ’19
It doesn’t take long to notice that Callum Baker is a knock down three point shooter. He has a super quick release, and moves really well without the ball.
BEST UNDERCLASSMEN | AFAMDI ACHUFUSI | SFS ’21
Afamdi Achufusi made his return to the court, and while his impact was limited, his strong potential was evident. He’s grown since the summer, and serves as another primary ball handler for this team. Achufusi exhibits uncommon composure for a young point guard.
BEST STORY TO WATCH MOVING FORWARD
Saint James, who were previously unbeaten in MAC play, will face St. Andrew’s at home next week. The same St. Andrew’s team that handed Sidwell a 3-point loss on their home floor earlier this month. The Quakers will get a chance to avenge their loss to St. Andrew’s on Friday.