Five Takeaways: Perry Hall vs Mervo
Perry Hall hosted Mervo for a 4A sectional I semifinal game and it didn’t disappoint. After countless lead changes throughout, the Gators were able to sneak by thanks to a game-winning lay up from 2019 forward Anthony Walker and advance to the final to face county rival Dulaney. Here are the takeaways from the match up.
Will Thomas shines in the loss
It isn’t normal to lead a game story off by mentioning a player on the losing team first, but 2019 guard Will Thomas simply put on a scoring clinic last night. The 6’5 junior finished with a game-high 34 points and for the majority of the game, couldn’t seem to miss. Thomas relentlessly attacked the basket despite Perry Hall having three players 6-foot-8 and above waiting for him to arrive. Thomas absorbed contact well and finished. He also operated in the mid-range whether it was off the dribble or on face-up jumpshots. His full arsenal was on display and we were able to get a glimpse of just how special of a scorer he is.
Walker continues to improves
It seems like every time we see 2019 forward Anthony Walker, he seems to improve and put on a show. Last night was no different as the he led the Gators with 23 points that included the game-winning lay up at the buzzer. Walker had his usual eye-popping dunks following dump off passes from teammates, but also did a nice job knocking down shots off the catch when his defender was a second late closing out.
END OF 1ST: Perry Hall 17 Mervo 12
Hardnett (@Q_T1me) finds ‘19 Anthony Walker (@AntgotClout) for an easy 2. Getting his own dunk contest started early once again. pic.twitter.com/5KNaBxfGfC
— Colby Giacubeno (@ColbyGHoops) February 26, 2018
Tyler Holley with a sneaky productive performance
If you watched this game, you may not realize Holley finished with 16 points. The future Morgan State quarterback did a nice job taking his man off the dribble and finishing in traffic in the halfcourt. He brought the crowd to their feet when he finished a dunk over a Mervo defender in which he also got fouled on. Holley impresses us because he simply makes winning plays when his teams needs it most.
Hardnett announces his commitment
2018 Perry Hall forward LaQuill Hardnett is one of the most interesting prospects in the state. The versatile 6-foot-8 forward can handle the ball, create his own offense and be an elite shot-blocking presence defensively. Last night, he made his commitment to Cincinnati after taking visits both to there and Buffalo in the past week. He made his announcement in a tremendously unique way.
2018 Perry Hall/Team Melo F LaQuill Hardnett (@Q_T1me) has committed to Cincinnati. His mother revealed after singing tonight’s national anthem. @PrepHoopsMD @VerbalCommits pic.twitter.com/XqBVoCyHNJ
— Colby Giacubeno (@ColbyGHoops) February 26, 2018
An intense finish
2018 Damon Moore converted on two three’s in the final 1:30, both of which gave the Mustangs the lead following a Perry Hall score. The Gators had the ball with the clock dwindling down as 2018 forward Anthony Higgs got fouled and went to the line for two shots with his team trailing by one. After missing the first, Higgs converted on the second to tie the game at 64. Following a Mervo timeout, Hardnett came up with a steal off the in-bounds play, passed to Xavier Gravette, who then found Walker under the rim. Walker missed the first lay up after being contested by a couple Mustang defenders, but gathered his own miss and converted his second attempt as the buzzer sounded.
Anthony Walker with the game-winning lay up as time expires. Perry Hall wins 66-64. @PrepHoopsMD pic.twitter.com/NZnjyxPVlq
— Colby Giacubeno (@ColbyGHoops) February 27, 2018