Mr. Clutch: Best performances from the regional openers
There were some impressive team and individual performances on Thursday night with the regional round starting.
112 games were played with 224 teams now those numbers are cut in half as we prepare for Tuesday’s second round of regionals.
Here are the most clutch performances from Thursday night.
Michael Forrest (Blanche Ely)
The top clutch performance came from Blanche Ely senior Michael Forrest who dropped 44 points in a 91-82 overtime win against Forest Hill. He scored the tying bucket to force overtime (VIDEO) and paced his offense in the extra period. The Tigers go to Dwyer on Tuesday in a 8A region semifinal.
Brodgie Gordon/Wyatt Hollmann (DeLand)
It was a super productive night for DeLand seniors Brodgie Gordon and Wyatt Hollman in the 74-66 win over Oviedo. Gordon, an undersized and speedy guard had 27 points while Hollman, a broad-shouldered forward produced 18 points and 22 rebounds. The Bulldogs will host Seminole in a 9A region semifinal next week.
Ben Lubarsky (Benjamin)
Benjamin junior forward Ben Lubarsky is a threat from outside on any given night. It was no different in the 56-54 victory over Miami Country Day. Lubarsky hit the game-winning jumper to guide his team to victory (VIDEO). He totaled 23 points. The Buccaneers will travel to Westminster for a 4A region final on Tuesday.
Edgar Ziegler/Malcolm Whitlow (Carrollwood Day)
All season long, Edgar Ziegler and Malcolm Whitlow have been scoring machines for Carrollwood Day. The junior pair united together for a 58 point performance in the 68-62 win over Santa Fe Catholic. Ziegler posted 30 points and Whitlow scored 28 points. The Patriots will travel to Master’s Academy in a 4A region final on Tuesday.
Devon Matthews (Ribault)
Devon Matthews is going to play safety at Indiana this fall. However, he wasn’t done making plays on the basketball court. The Ribault senior guard used two dribbles and then he hit a 3 from basically the other free throw line for a 63-60 win over Orange Park (VIDEO). The Trojans will play at Bishop Kenny in a 6A region semifinal next week.
Xavier Hutchinson (Bartram Trail)
Bartram Trail senior guard Xavier Hutchinson netted 27 points in a 50-44 victory over First Coast in an 8A region quarterfinal. Hutchinson has been the leading scorer this season for the Bears. Bartram Trail will look to keep the party going at Creekside next week in a 8A region semifinal.
Deante’ Moore (Coral Springs)
One of the highest scoring affairs in the state on Thursday night was played between Coral Springs and Western. Coral Springs held on for an 88-86 win in the 9A region quarterfinal. Senior guard Deante’ Moore showed up big in overtime with eight points, three layups in a row as he compiled 25 points. Senior guard Wilvens Fleurizard actually led the Colts with 27 points. Jonathan Vilchez had 31 points for Western. Coral Springs will now host Deerfield Beach in a region semifinal.
Dedric Streeter (Crossroad)
It has been a wild ride for Crossroad in its first year in FHSAA play. Junior forward Dedric Streeter has been the leader the whole way and it was no different in the 78-56 win over Eagle’s View in a 2A region semifinal. He tacked on 28 points. Also, 8th grader Jaylen Martin recorded 14 points. Crossroad will host Impact Christian in a 2A region final.
Darin Green Jr. (Wharton)
For the second straight week, Wharton won on a last-second bucket. In the district final win over Plant, it was DJ Henderson. This time around it was Darin Green Jr., who connected on a jumper with under 10 seconds left to give the Wildcats a 51-50 win over Bartow. Green Jr. produced 20 points. Wharton now takes on Winter Haven in a 8A region semifinal next week.
Tai Strickland/Serrel Smith (St. Pete)
Trailing by four points, St. Pete never panicked with senior guards Serrel Smith and Tai Strickland on its side. The 2018 duo totaled 44 points as St. Pete went to Plant City and picked up a 72-63 win in a 8A region quarterfinal. After losing in the district final to Countryside, St. Pete now has a home tilt in the region semifinal next Tuesday against Tampa Bay Tech.
Marcus Purcell/Jaden Voisin (Crestview)
It was a fine night for both Marcus Purcell and Jaden Voisin. The two upperclassmen combined for 45 points as Crestview beat Pensacola 71-56 in a 7A region quarterfinal. Purcell, a junior guard had 25 points and junior Voisin had 20 points of his own. Crestview will now travel to Choctaw next week in a region semifinal.
Taylon Hutchins/Gabe Casey (Oasis)
It was the Taylon Hutchins and Gabe Casey show as Oasis continued its dream season with a 79-73 victory over Berkeley Prep. Hutchins, a junior guard led his side with 33 points while senior forward Gabe Casey pitched in with 25 points. The Sharks must travel to Tampa Catholic next week in a 5A region semifinal.
Thierry Moliere (Jesuit)
Just a few weeks back from a major injury, Jesuit senior Thierry Moliere proved how clutch he still can be. The 2018 guard sunk 1-of-2 free throws with under three seconds left to help the Tigers knock off visiting Lake Wales 47-46. The win gives Jesuit a home game for a 6A region semifinal against Booker.
Diego Rivera (Miami Christian)
Junior guard Diego Rivera had a big night for Miami Christian, scoring 31 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 from downtown in a 90-35 win over Atlantic Christian. The Victors will host Schoolhouse Prep in the 2A region semifinal.