Five Takeaways: Class 3A-Region 2 Final (Mount Dora Christian vs. Orlando Christian Prep)
Mount Dora Christian did all it could to slow down Orlando Christian Prep on Wednesday night in a Class 3A-Region 2 Final.
The underdog Bulldogs led on four different occasions early in the game including late in the first half. However, Orlando Christian Prep was too much behind a 23-point performance from Nassir Little.
The senior North Carolina commit recorded 12 of his team-high 23 points in the second half alone including seven in the fourth quarter as Orlando Christian Prep pulled away to win 48-31.
It was a valiant effort from a Mount Dora Christian team that lost two meetings against Orlando Christian Prep this season by a combined 71 points including the district final, 72-26 a few weeks ago.
Next up for Orlando Christian Prep is a meeting with Florida A&M on Monday night in the state semifinal in Lakeland.
Here are five takeaways from the game.
Nassir Little is too strong for his own good
Nassir Little had a pair of dunks that any NBA player would have been proud of throwing down. He worked hard as the most consistent piece on the floor the whole night. The 6’7″ Little was slowed at times by the Mount Dora Christian defense but he found ways to break through for 23 points. Little will be the focal point of the offense at states next week and it sure seems as if Orlando Christian Prep will be hard to stop with him at the forefront.
Ronaldo Segu specializes in transition
Nine of Ronaldo Segu’s 11 points came in the second half. In fact, his lone bucket of the first half was an impressive maneuver to the rim to beat the second quarter buzzer. The senior Buffalo commit can absolutely fly in transition and he makes defenses pay with his ability to switch hands in mid-air.
Joseph Martz is one tough kid
In his final high school game, Joseph Martz put it all on the line for his team. The 5’10” senior guard is as scrappy as they come and he simply is passionate and hard working on the floor. Headed to Warner this fall, Martz ended his Mount Dora Christian career with a tough-earned 10 point night.
Taylor Trudeau and Edwin Chatman are gifted
Known for his shooting and high scoring outputs, Taylor Trudeau was held to just eight points. But, the 6’3″ junior was smart with the ball in his hands and he attacked when he found openings. He has a knack for a smart play. Sophomore forward Edwin Chatman quietly had 11 points, which included a trio of 3’s.
Orlando Christian Prep’s defense will take them far
Between the guard play from Segu, Jordan Goodson, Jordan Rodriguez and Jouldan Velez and forwards Little, Walker, Jones and DeJuan Lockett, the Warriors have all the size and speed you want from a team. The defense was full of high energy as it locked down, especially in the second half with Mount Dora Christian hanging around.
Orlando Christian Prep proved why it’s an elite team with a 48-31 win in the 3A-Region 2 Final over Mount Dora Christian. It was a game of patience against a scrappy MDC group.@ocphoops @mdca_mbb @SeguRonaldo @Josephisballin @TaylorrTrudeauu
Highlights???????????? pic.twitter.com/E4lsZibQMn
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) March 1, 2018