10 Best: Douglas Freeman vs. George Wythe
It was the second game of the consolation round of the TDIT, and featured two public schools with different styles in George Wythe and Douglas Freeman. The first quarter was back and forth as each team went to their top…
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Continue ReadingIt was the second game of the consolation round of the TDIT, and featured two public schools with different styles in George Wythe and Douglas Freeman. The first quarter was back and forth as each team went to their top players early and the quarter ended with Freeman up 18-15. However, Freeman put the pedal to the medal in the second quarter, and behind senior Michael Fortune and great defense they stretched the lead to 39-26 at halftime.
In the third quarter things got a little different. After Wythe came out flat, Head Coach Willard Coker decided to send a message and put his bench to see if they would compete. The Bulldog’s bench responded with a scrappy and gutsy performance on both ends. They chipped away at the lead, forcing a number of turnovers and making some big plays on both ends of the floor. However, in the end Freeman got it together and made enough shots and free throws down the stretch to pull it out 71-55.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best we saw at the game.
MVP: Michael Fortune | Douglas Freeman 2019
He did a little bit of everything to help Freeman both pull away early and close it out late. The 6’4” wing showed great fundamentals, in the gym range and attacked the rim hard. He helped rebound, set the tone on both ends and made shots from all three levels. More coming from him shortly.
Play of the Game
In the second quarter, George Wythe junior Ikechi Chantilou had a very impressive finish in the lane. He attacked off the wing coming down the lane with his right hand, and he took off to dunk the basketball he was raked across the head, and although he didn’t throw the dunk down cleanly he did finish the play plus the foul at the rim.
Best Offensive Performer: Michael Fortune | Douglas Freeman 2019
Fortune was efficient, productive and smart throughout the game, and was pivotal in them getting out to an early lead. He missed his first five shots from the floor, but he kept attacking, getting to the free throw line for his first seven points, and then the shots started falling. He ended the first half with two three-pointers, giving him 18 points in the half. He made plays for others and rebounded, and helped seal the game at the line. This gem in the Henrico area finished with 30 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in the win.
Best Defensive Performer: Ikechi Chantilou | George Wythe 2020
Although Chantilou didn’t play much in the second half, he made a number of plays on the defensive end that show why he’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the Richmond area. He’s athletic and long, and he’s able to use that length to jump passing lanes for deflections and come help side to block shots. He had three steals and three blocks in the first half alone.
Best Guy Off the Bench: Carlin Mansfield | George Wythe
While a lot of the Wythe bench played with great energy and grit, Mansfield led the way from the beginning. He was all over the floor defensively in the press, he made shots when they needed him to and brought great energy. He finished with seven points and three steals.
Best Intangibles: Niquain Moore | Douglas Freeman
Why does Moore deserve this title? He scored 0 points on just one shot from the field and he still made a big impact in his time on the floor. He finished with six assists, and he was all over the floor on the defensive end and showed a good knack for the basketball.
Best Under-the-Radar Performance: Chi Mills | Douglas Freeman
The 6’6” big man showed some good potential with his ability to run the floor and score with both hands in the post. He held down the paint well throughout the game, protected the rim and was efficient in the paint. He finished with 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
Best Underclassman: Caleb Kenney | Douglas Freeman 2021
The sophomore power forward was phenomenal on the block, showing good moves around the basket and the ability to finish with both hands. He has a big frame but he’s quick and nimble on his feet, has a quick spin move in the post and he has soft touch around the basket. He’s improved a lot from last year and should be a big time producer this year. He finished with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Best Underclassman 2: Deshawn Goodwyn | George Wythe 2022
Just a freshman, Goodwyn showed great confidence in the first half as the designated shooter for Wythe. His teammates found him as he moved without the basketball well, and he showed effortless range with a quick release. He finished with game with 14 points, while shooting 4-for-7 from behind the arc.
Best Handle: Jaheim Stokes | George Wythe
Stokes has that playground kind of handle that makes for a crowd pleasing style of play. He showed a quick crossover, a good hesitation move and the ability to blow by and get in the lane at will. His handle is even better because he has good vision and passing ability, so he’s able to break down the defense and find his teammates for easy baskets.