5 Takeaways: University School at Somerset Pines
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Defending Class 5A state champion University School traveled to Pembroke Pines to tangle with Somerset Pines in a district boys basketball game Tuesday night.
The Sharks (4-0) held just a 33-29 lead at the half. But sparked by two quick 3-pointers to start the third quarter, University School spurted to a 75-55 road victory.
Here are the top 5 takeaways from Pembroke Pines:
Vernon & Scottie Show goes on road
2019 All-American Vernon Carey Jr. and 2020 Scottie Barnes put on display why they are two the country’s top prospects.
In front of a hostile, packed house, the duo combined to score 50 of University School’s 75 points.
Carey led the way with 33 points. He had 15 by halftime before hitting nine more field goals in the second half. The 6-foot-10 center is announcing where he will attend college on Thursday.
Barnes scored all 17 of his points in the second half. The 6-foot-8 playmaker had an outstanding all-around game, picking several assists on beautiful passes.
“Out of the half Scottie Barnes came out with two big 3s that gave them momentum,” Somerset Pines coach Andrew Scott said. “And then to be honest, we had a six-man rotation and got gassed in the fourth.”
Freshman Jett Howard hit three early 3-pointers for the Sharks.
Cyclones watch Blackwell
Iowa State assistant coach James Kane was at the game to watch Somerset Pines 2020 standout Dudley Blackwell.
The Cyclones have already offered the 6-7 Blackwell.
Blackwell, who was a part of two state championships at Westminster Academy his first two years of high school before transferring this year, seemed to be pressing a little bit.
He put up a couple of long shots that were nowhere near close. But Blackwell did finish with a couple of nice dunks and 15 points. 6-7 2020 Nathan Montaque led the Panthers with 16 points.
Kane has ties to the Sunshine State. He attended Oakland Park Northeast. Iowa State also offered Calvary Christian 2022 Gregg Glenn III on Tuesday.
The University of South Florida and FIU also had coaches scouting the game.
Somerset snakebitten
Somerset Pines went into the district game without three key members of the squad.
Senior guard Frantz Blaise is on suspension after being involved in a on-court fight vs. American Heritage in the season opener.
Tyson Civil, a 6-5 junior forward, has been lost for the season with a torn ACL. And junior guard Brandon Garcia was at the game on crutches. He is awaiting test results.
The injuries put a major damper on what could have been for coach Scott & Co.
“It’s going to be a rough season,” said Scott, whose team is 0-3 to start the year.
Sharks also down two bodies
University School also was without two guards Tuesday night.
Junior Roger McFarlane will be out about two weeks with an ankle injury. His left foot is in a boot. McFarlane scored 20 points in the Sharks’ victory over South Miami last week at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Junior David Perez also missed the Somerset Pines game for an unspecified reason.
Carr: Sharks maturing
University School first-year coach Jim Carr credited Somerset Pines and its crowd.
“We’re still figuring out who we are, but I think tonight we made a good step in our maturity,” Carr said. “That’s a tough road win. Conference road wins are huge.”
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.