McEachern advances to COP Semis
Fort Myers, FL – Coach Thompson and his McEachern squad advanced to the City of Palms Classic semifinals for the second straight season after their chess match win over a very good Paul VI (VA) team. The Indians also move to a 7-0 record on the season with their two wins here in Fort Myers.
Their matchup against Paul VI (VA) was a great chess match between two pretty even programs. The game started off slow for both squads and Paul VI (VA) leading McEachern at halftime 27-19. Getting a bucket was very difficult for McEachern in the first half, as you can see. Paul VI (VA) zone was really giving the Indians fits in the first half. Closing out on shooters and clogging the lanes was the gameplan for Paul VI (VA).
Once the second half began it was a huge momentum shift and that shifted over to McEachern. The Indians started the second half on a 5-0 run to get things going. 2020 G Alyn Breed, who finished with 13 total points, got hot in the third quarter after hitting a couple three pointers. Auburn signee 2019 F Isaac Okoro, who finished with a game high 24 points and 10 rebounds, kept his McEachern squad in the game all game long. The 6-foot-6 forward was super effective on the glass and showed once again he is a fantastic and powerful finsher around the rim.
2020 PG Sharife Cooper did not have his best game but still ended this contest with 17 points besides having 7 turnovers. Things really started to click for the 6-foot-1 point guard in the fourth quarter. Running in the open floor, penetrating, and facilitating the lane is what Cooper does best, and when he is at his best. The Indians will now face the winner of the Mountain Brook (AL) and IMG Academy (FL) matchup on Friday night at 9pm ET. Remember, McEachern was in the same position a year ago and were eliminated by University School (FL), who ended up winning the 2017 City of Palms tournament.