10 Best: Hazelwood Central vs. Rock Bridge
Prep Hoops Missouri was on hand in Florissant, MO in North St. Louis County on Friday night as Columbia Rock Bridge paid a visit to Hazelwood Central in a battle of Class 5 state contenders. In a game that featured some huge momentum swings, it was Rock Bridge who emerged with a 68-57 victory.
Here is a look at the 10 Best from Hazelwood Central-Rock Bridge:
MVP: Isiaih Mosley (Rock Bridge): The 6’6″ 2019 guard scored a game-high 35 points in what was a spectacular performance. He scored 16 points in the first quarter to get the Bruins off to a 20-10 first quarter lead and he wasn’t contained at all during the evening. After the game, he earned an offer from Bradley University as coach Brian Wardle was in the house to watch.
Best Offensive Player: Isiaih Mosley (Rock Bridge): Mosley’s 35 points came from everywhere on the court. When he wasn’t driving to the basket or scoring on backdoor cuts, he was knocking down 3-pointers off the dribble. He also got a few buckets in transition.
Best Shooter: Isiaih Mosley (Rock Bridge) and Sean Williams (Hazelwood Central) – In a game with a lot of talented players, Mosley again is the one at the forefront as he knocked down four 3-pointers, most of them off the dribble. The 6’3″ Williams, a 2018 Kansas State signee, also knocked down four 3-pointers as he scored a team-high 26 points.
Play of the Game: The Hawks enjoyed a big rally in the third quarter to take a 10-point lead. The big play during that rally was when Shaun Williams grabbed a rebound, took dribbles upcourt and launched a half-court alley-oop pass that was caught and slammed home by 6’4′ 2018 guard Cameron Williams. It was a spectacular.
Big Momentum Swing: The second half of the game was like two heavyweights landing big shots on each other. Hazelwood Central hit Rock Bridge with a 22-5 run to turn a 32-25 halftime deficit into a 47-37 lead. Rock Bridge then responded with a 21-5 run of its own to take a 58-51 lead and control of the game.
Key Part of the Game: Hazelwood Central looked to be in complete control after its 22-5 run to take a 47-37 lead with just over three minutes left in the third quarter. Undaunted, the Bruins scored the last eight points of the quarter to cut the lead to 47-45 heading into the fourth quarter. With the ship back afloat, the Bruins re-assumed control of the game and went on to the victory.
Unsung Player: Jamonta Black (Rock Bridge) – The 6’4″ 2019 guard was scoreless in the first half as his teammate Mosley dominated the offense. In the second half, Black provided the big spark as he scored all 19 of his points in the second half. including 14 points in the fourth quarter.
Best Passer: Dajuan Harris (Rock Bridge) – The 6’2″ 2019 guard scored 12 points, but he also handed out a game-high 12 assists. He is an explosive point guard who can get buckets, but he is a tremendously unselfish player who can make his teammates better.
Best Motor: Cameron Williams (Hazelwood Central) – The 6’4″ 2018 wing player scored 10 points and seemed to be everywhere on both ends the court. He gives a tireless effort on defense, rebounding and in the transition game. He also threw down some impressive dunks.
Outlook: A few weeks back, Rock Bridge got big statement wins in Kansas City by winning the North Kansas City Tournament. Last night’s win was a big statement victory in St. Louis. For Hazelwood Central, this is the first game of a late-season gauntlet to prepare for the postseason. The Hawks still have games with Webster Groves and Vashon on Feb. 20 and 21.