5 Takeaways : Latta vs Marion
Prep Hoops headed to Marion County on Saturday night to watch the Latta Vikings play the Marion Swamp Foxes. The Swamp Foxes were in a battle with the scrappy Vikings squad most of the night. Latta led at the halftime 31-28 after a strong showing by point guard Darius McRae. The Vikings maintained the lead after 3 quarters 45-42.
The Swamp Foxes came to life in the 4th quarter by out scoring the Vikings 27-15 to win the game Region 7-2A game 72-57.
MVP : BJ Blue (2018) Marion (pictured on front)
Blue was all over the court today for the Swamp Foxes. Blue the designated leader of this 14-6 team finished the night with 14 points. Blue grabbed several rebounds on both ends of the floor. Blue has a good look to him and plays generally off the ball at shooting guard position. Blue is most effective from 14-16 feet on the floor.
Best Underclassmen : TJ Sanders (2021) Marion
Sanders 6’4 was not a surprise for us here at Prep Hoops. Prep Hoops first saw this rising star when he was playing AAU with the Carolina Stampede 2021 this summer. Sanders finished the evening with 17 points and scored the ball inside-out on the floor. Sanders can really finish around the cup with his left-hand at a high rate.
Sanders seemed very poised on the floor and in the starting lineup for the Swamp Foxes.
Best Player off the Bench : Taj Hall (2018) Marion
Hall came out late in the 3rd quarter and nailed 1 of 4 three pointers to finish with 14 points. Hall 5’10 shooting guard has a very quick shooing release and isn’t afraid to pull it from downtown. Hall was the ultimate spark for the Swamp Foxes down stretch and delivered the back breaker at the 4:18 mark to give them the 53-52 lead. Hall converted a 4 point play. Marion went on a 19-5 run to finish the game.
Best Player you might not seen before : Darius McRae (2019) Latta
McRae 5’10 is the leader of the Vikings offense. McRae never left the floor and finished the evening with 24 points for the Vikings. McRae at times tries to do to much for the Vikings and doesn’t rely on his teammates as much. McRae played AAU with Big Shots South Carolina this past summer.
Best Project : Tariq Nowlin (2019) Marion
Nowlin seems to be getting better with his overall skill level on the perimeter. Nowlin 6’5 small forward prefers to play face-up away from the basket and on the perimeter. Nowlin connected on a few three pointers and also has the ability to handle the rock in transition. Nowlin finished the game with 13 points.