Dallas Jesuit upsets Desoto at the Cowtown Tip-Off
DeSoto Eagles (60) – Dallas Jesuit Rangers (63)
The first game of Cowtown Tip-Off included the talented UIL preseason #17 DeSoto Eagles vs. the unranked Dallas Jesuit Rangers. The game started off sloppy as the Eagles took control during the first three quarters. However, the Rangers made a late push and made big time plays in crunch time to seal the three point victory. Here are the prospects who stood out in the matchup.
Top Performers: Rangers
Max Abmas / 5’11″/ SG / Dallas Jesuit / 2019
Max Abmas struggled to get things going in the first half. He could not buy a bucket and turned over the ball a couple of times. However, the future Oral Roberts signee heated up at the right time. He scored all of his 16 points in the second half. Max made big time shots from the perimeter and most importantly, converted on every opportunity from the charity stripe late in the fourth quarter.
Julius Marble / 6’7″/ PF / Dallas Jesuit / 2019
Julius also had his struggles during times in the first half, but made big plays when it mattered most. He played well in the paint and was a monster on the glass. I loved his assertiveness and willingness to play above the rim. Julius finished with an impressive double-double of 21 points and 12 boards. Julius also explained that he is looking to sign late in the spring.
Gavin Perryman / 6’2″/ SG / Dallas Jesuit / 2021
Gavin is a confident basketball player who knows his role on this Jesuit basketball team. He takes care of the ball and is smart when moving without the rock. The best part about the sophomore’s game is his spot-up shooting ability. He is a threat to consistently knock down shots from deep off the catch. Gavin is a tough competitor who always plays to win. The dual-sport athlete (star baseball player) finished with 12 points.
Top Performers: Eagles
Jarius Hicklen / 6’1″/ SG / DeSoto / 2019
Jarius proved that he is comfortable creating shots for himself off the bounce. I was impressed with his ability to find opportunities to score in the midrange. He will be the Eagles’ primary perimeter scoring option. He finished with a team-high 15 points.
Duncan Powell / 6’7″/ PF / DeSoto / 2021
Duncan showcased his ability to spread the floor by knocking down three jumpers from long distance. However, his ability to shoot from deep should not be primary focus. The sophomore forward must improve his basketball I.Q. and focus on balancing his offensive game. He needs to look to score more in the paint, rather than attempting tough contested post fadeaways. Nonetheless, the sophomore finished with 13 points and 9 boards in the loss.