5 Takeaways: Miami Booker T. Washington at Gulliver Prep
It would take two overtimes to decide a pivotal Class 5A-District 15 contest between Miami Booker T. Washington and Gulliver Prep in Pinecrest on Wednesday night. The showdown was tied 59-all at the end of regulation, and 63-63 after one…
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Continue ReadingIt would take two overtimes to decide a pivotal Class 5A-District 15 contest between Miami Booker T. Washington and Gulliver Prep in Pinecrest on Wednesday night.
The showdown was tied 59-all at the end of regulation, and 63-63 after one extra period, before Booker T. Washington prevailed, 77-73, to sweep the season series.
BTW (9-2 overall) leads the four-team district at 4-0. Gulliver is 7-7 overall, 2-2 in the district. Here are 5 Takeaways from Pinecrest:
BTW seven deep
The Tornadoes have a lot of pieces: two extremely talented sophomore football players to provide height, athleticism and toughness; a solid lineup that goes seven deep; and everyone on the team handles the ball well.
Booker T. Washington does not turn it over and hits the glass at both ends. Seniors Edward Bailey, Ames Dixon and Chris Noel mesh well with sophomores Jacorey Brooks and Donell Harris.
“We practice that every day in practice,” Brooks said of taking care of the basketball. “Everybody will guard on the team. Everybody must handle the ball in tight situations in the game so we just prepare for that in practice and it shows on the court.”
The 6-foot-3 Brooks is a high-major Division I football prospect who remains uncommitted. “I am looking at everybody right now,” the wide receiver said.
Harris led BTW with 18 points. Dixon added 17, Brooks 10, Bailey 9 and Noel 8 points. Eddie Jackson (13 points) provides scoring off the bench.
The Tornadoes’ two losses came at the Sun Bash Tournament on the other side of the state. BTW lost to Miami Christian and Sarasota Booker.
Harris an excellent finisher
Harris is a beast in the paint for the Tornadoes. The 10th-grader has excellent foot work and is a finisher.
“We just gotta get past University School [down the road],” Harris said. “That’s on our mind now … University School.”
Harris, too, is a high-major D-1 football prospect. He said basketball helps keep his agility up and gives him added stamina.
“I am committed to the Miami Hurricanes,” the 6-5 defensive end/linebacker said. “I am committed to Miami right now. Other schools are looking at me. Florida is recruiting me hard now.”
“He’s a tremendous talent and the sky’s the limit for that kid,” BTW coach Stephon Griffin said.
Two close calls
Gulliver was looking to even the season series one-all.
Booker T. Washington won the opener at its gym, 68-50, but that was a two-point game with 2:15 remaining before the Tornadoes blew it open. Wednesday, the Raiders got 26 points from sophomore guard Frankie Idlett and 25 from junior forward Tony Sanders but fell short.
“Great match-up … just two teams going at it,” Gulliver Prep coach Manny Bloom said. “A lot of friends on each team. It’s a fun game. Double-overtime.”
Gulliver, which lost Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Jett and Jace Howard to transfer, has only one senior in its starting lineup.
Idlett cans six 3s
Idlett was on fire in the second half. The 5-11 10th-grader poured in six 3-pointers in the game — five after halftime.
“Frankie is a great player … he is only a sophomore,” Bloom said. “He’s going to be one of the top sophomores in the country. He’s really, really good.
“He missed about seven games after the preseason [sprained ACL]. He came back, he’s doing good. Last year he was averaging 11 as a freshman and then broke his ankle. If we keep him healthy, he’s going to be really, really good.”
Junior guard Gabe Taylor also hit double-digits with 12 points.
Taking visits soon
Among those in the mix for Gulliver Prep’s 6-6 Sanders are Florida State, Florida, Virginia, Georgia, Penn and FGCU.
“I’m going to be taking visits soon,” Sanders said Wednesday prior to the game. “My dad is working to take me up to FSU on a visit.”
Sanders says he is looking for a place he can call home, a system that fits just right and a good environment.
The 5-10 Taylor has interest from FIU, Embry-Riddle and Barry.
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.