Ten Best: Hazel Park vs UD Jesuit
Neither of these teams deserved to lose, but, unfortunately, someone’s season had to end. Thanks to great execution down the stretch, UD Jesuit was able to pull out a 57-48 win over Hazel Park. The score doesn’t do this game justice, as it was a one possession game with 30 seconds left. The Cubs made some free throws late, and the Vikings couldn’t hit enough shots to get back into it. Defense was the story of the game, as both teams forced a ton of turnovers and didn’t allow each other to get into a flow offensively. Hazel Park forced UD Jesuit to turn the ball over 23 times, while the Cubs forced the Vikings to turn it over 13 times. The Cubs will take on Detroit Renaissance on Friday night for the District Championship.
Jalen Thomas (UD Jesuit, 2019)
Thomas was easily the best player on the floor, pouring in 13 points, collecting 14 rebounds and blocking six shots. His stat line could’ve been better if he hit more of his free throws, but overall, this was a dominant performance for the junior forward. He’s got a big time matchup coming with Renaissance’s Carrington Mccaskill on Friday.
Elijah Collins (UD Jesuit, 2018)
Collins had a big impact in this game, scoring 16 points and grabbing two rebounds. The Cubs were down two at the half, but that didn’t last, thanks in large part to Collins’ play. When Jesuit needed a basket, he was there to knock down a big shot. He was also impressive on the defensive end, holding Carl Bow in check for most of the night.
Carl Bow (Hazel Park, 2018)
Bow didn’t have a very efficient night, but he was still able to score 16 points and grab six rebounds. The Vikings went to him down the stretch, and he delivered some big baskets. Hazel Park was in foul trouble throughout the game, but Bow did a good job running the offense and making sure the Vikings got good looks. He has a bright future in the college game.
Daniel Friday (UD Jesuit, 2019)
Friday did all of the little things for the Cubs. He finished the game with 10 points and 12 rebounds, but his hustle and grit really stood out to me. He did a little bit of everything. He scored, rebounded, found open teammates, helped break the Vikings’ press and made all of the hustle plays necessary to win a big game like this. He’s overlooked a little bit due to the big names on the roster, but his impact in this game shouldn’t be overlooked.
Kyle Washington (Hazel Park, 2018)
If I had to pick a MVP for Hazel Park in this game, it would be Washington. He scored just seven points, but he grabbed nine rebounds, which led the team. The Vikings don’t have a ton of height, but Washington plays bigger than his size. Like Friday, Washington was all over the court making plays and getting his teammates involved. His game is similar to Draymond Green.
Zachary Winston (UD Jesuit, 2018)
Winston really didn’t get going until the second half, but when he got going, the Cubs pulled ahead. Winston finished the game with 14 points and two rebounds, but his biggest contribution came against the Vikings’ press. His ball handling ability allowed the Cubs to break Hazel Park’s press relatively easily. Winston recently committed to Albion College.
David Hearns (Hazel Park, 2018)
Hazel Park didn’t get many shots to fall, but Hearns scored 10 points and knocked down a couple shots late. Bow was the go to scorer for the Vikings, but when he couldn’t get anything going, Hearns and Devin Pettis were there to hit some shots. Overall, he was solid on both ends of the court.
Devin Pettis (Hazel Park, 2018)
Like Hearns, Pettis made some big shots throughout the game. He finished with nine points and grabbed three rebounds. Jesuit really made it a priority to make the Vikings take and make outside shots, and they just weren’t falling. Some of the credit should be given to the Cubs’ defense, but Hazel Park missed some open looks from outside.
Khari Adams (Hazel Park, 2018)
Adams battled foul trouble throughout the game and never really found a rhythm on offense. He scored five points, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked a few shots. Adams missed a couple of dunks early in the game, which is weird, considering he is a freak athlete. His athletic ability will get him to the next level, but he needs to work on his jump shot.
James Moss (UD Jesuit, 2018)
Moss didn’t play a ton of minutes, but he made the most of the minutes he received. He finished the game with four points and four rebounds, while playing well on the defensive end. Moss is a player that knows his role and doesn’t mind being an under the radar player. He’s the ultimate team player that every program would like to have.