Top 11 2019 performers (Hoophall Invitational)
High school basketball was in the spotlight Wednesday with the playing of the Hoophall Miami Invitational on Wednesday at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Five of the top programs from Miami-Dade and from Broward counties went head to head with Dade posting a 3-2 victory. It is the first time in the history of the Hoophall that Dade has finished with the upper hand.
Here are the Top 11 2019 performers from the Hoophall Invitational. Jake Perper will be covering the top performances by underclassmen:
Vernon Carey Jr. (University School)
The 6-foot-10 national Player of the Year candidate made two big, big plays defensively late, leading to Scottie Barnes buckets. 5A University School trailed 9A South Miami 40-28 at the half before rallying for a 74-67 victory. Carey finished with 18 points on eight field goals and two free throws.
Richard Charles (North Miami)
The 6-5 shooting guard just missed a double-double with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in leading the Pioneers past Oakland Park Northeast, 89-73. Charles scored 17 of his 21 in the second half. The versatile Charles hit three 3-pointers.
Chase Johnston & Sam Griffin (Westminster Academy)
Down 38-24 to Miami Palmetto at the half, the senior duo came out firing to carry the Lions past the Panthers, 65-64, in overtime. Johnston was particularly red hot from downtown. The Purdue Fort Wayne signee scored 19 of his game-high 22 points, including five 3-pointers, over the final two quarters. Ten of Griffin’s 14 points came in the second half. Griffin has signed with Texas Arlington.
Algenis Quintana (Miami Christian)
The 6-1 point guard, who wears No. 2, scored 8 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter to help the two-time defending Class 2A state champs hold off Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, 71-57, in the Hoophall finale.
Quintana also played a major role defensively in holding down speedy Stranahan senior guard Brian Dugazon. Dugazon was held to just 6 points.
Brandon Spaulding (Miami Norland)
The 6-4 shooting guard/small forward scored 13 points in the first half and finished with 15 points in a 51-41 victory over 9A Western High. He hit five field goals and made 5 free throws. Spaulding & Co. held Western completely scoreless in the fourth quarter.
Damari Monsanto (Western)
The American Heritage-Plantation transfer poured in a game-high 21 points in just three quarters in the loss to Miami Norland. Monsanto, a Division I prospect, drilled four 3-pointers in the game. Lavar Miller Jr. was the next-highest scorer on the team with 6.
Alex Rodriguez & Jovan Debrito (Miami Palmetto)
It was a tale of two halves for Rodriguez. The 6-5 center, who is likely a Division 2 prospect, was impressive in scoring 14 first-half points. He uses his body well, always seems under control and plays good defense. Unfortunately for Rodriguez he was shut out in the second half by Westminster Academy and missed a layup in overtime that could have won it. Debrito is a 6-foot shooting guard. He, too, finished with 14 points for Palmetto, including three 3-pointers.
Toru Dean and Lee Flenor (South Miami)
Guard Toru Dean and Lee Flenor teamed together this summer for Team AutoNation on the travel circuit. The duo continued to excel together combining for 34 points in a 74-67 loss to University School. Dean had 19 points, including three 3-pointers, while Flenor added 15. Dean has signed with Barry University; Flenor has an offer from Stetson.
If you have high school basketball news, you can reach Pat Lammer via e-mail at PatALammer@Gmail.com or via text at 954-661-9671.