Top Performers: Class 5A-District 9 Semifinals
On Wednesday night, Tampa Catholic and Berkeley Prep advanced in its respective Class 5A-District 9 semifinals.
The two squads will play each other in Friday’s district final. Berkeley Prep won both regular season meetings by a combined nine points.
Tampa Catholic beat Brooks DeBartolo 69-62 in the first game and then Berkeley Prep held off Clearwater Central Catholic 46-40 to wrap up the action.
Here are the top performers.
Kobe Knox (Tampa Catholic)
Sophomore guard Kobe Knox grew up before our eyes on Wednesday night. Tampa Catholic needed help in the worst way in the fourth quarter. It took nearly four minutes for the Crusaders to get a basket as Kobe Knox scored seven straight points which included two 3’s. The 2020 guard scored a team-high 22 points and sealed the win.
Isaiah Thomas (Brooks DeBartolo)
A bouncy senior guard Isaiah Thomas was doing his usual attacking and dunking in the loss to Tampa Catholic. Transferring from Wharton this summer, Thomas was able to propel that into a nice season for Brooks DeBartolo. He led his side with 22 points.
Zach Mathis (Berkeley Prep)
It took Zach Mathis a little while to get going, but he was clutch in the fourth quarter scoring eight of his team-best 13 points. Mathis is a long body who thrives as a mid-range shooter or attacker. He played well in the second half and it showed. Headed to North Dakota State next fall for football, Mathis is a pure athlete.
Alijah Harrison (Tampa Catholic)
Battling a cut to the knee early on and a hard hit late in the game, Alijah Harrison managed a 14-point outing. The sophomore forward was working well in the paint and it was important for him to gain that confidence in playoff time. Harrison is at his best when he attacks the rim.
Jerjuan Newton/Nicholas Amaro (Clearwater Central Catholic)
Jerjuan Newton was the best asset for the Marauders in the game with 11 points. The junior guard had some really tough attacks to the basket in the fourth quarter as he kept his side alive. Nicholas Amaro, a senior guard/forward tied Newton with 11 points of his own. He has a talented outside shooter.
Kegan Karnes (Berkeley Prep)
A gifted shooter, Kegan Karnes scored 11 points for the Bucs in the victory. He hit three 3-pointers, all coming in the third quarter. Karnes has taken his game to the next level with some tough drives inside and good play in transition. He has a bright future.