Five Takeaways: Purcell Marian vs. Deer Park
This was the rematch that fans in the Cincinnati area have been waiting to for. Last post-season Purcell Marian lost a heart breaker in OT to Deer Park with a trip to Columbus on the line. And with both teams…
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Continue ReadingThis was the rematch that fans in the Cincinnati area have been waiting to for. Last post-season Purcell Marian lost a heart breaker in OT to Deer Park with a trip to Columbus on the line. And with both teams among the best D-III teams in the state, the rematch at the MLK Classic in Middletown was much anticipated. The Cavaliers, ranked 3rd in the latest Prep Hoops D-III poll, got off to a 14-0 start and never looked back in cruising to an 83-67 victory over the 5th ranked Wildcats.
Deer Park, playing without its center and Florida International football commit Joe Hocker, was dominated on the backboard and allowed Purcell to shoot 66% from the field and behind the arch. Purcell had seven players score, five of those in double-figures, led by 2019 W/F Javonta Lyons (PHO #171) who finished 20 points on 7-10 shooting. Senior forward Bryan Warah (PHO #116) continued his strong play since returning from injury finishing with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks.
For the Wildcats guard Mark Wise (2020 PHO #16) finished with a game high 24 points, connecting on five three-pointers on the evening. Ibrahima Athie (2019 PHO #85) finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds while junior point man Steve Gentry Jr. (PHO #72) scored 15 in the loss.
Five Takeaways
- Will Deer Park have Joe Hocker back in time for the post season? The big man has not seen game action since December 28th and according to the broadcast team for Purcell he had a serious limp when he tried to participate in warm-ups. And his absence was noticeable as the Cavaliers pounded the Wildcats in the paint and on the boards all evening. Knee problems caused Hocker to miss his entire sophomore season as well so this is something to keep an eye on.
- Speaking of players and injuries, the Cavaliers Bryan Warah appears to be all the way from a back injury that caused him to miss the six games of the season. Warah is averaging 19ppg over the last two contest and is shooting 70% from the field since his return. While known for doing the dirty work, he has shown the ability to face up and score off the dribble to go along with his back to the basket game.
- D-II and JUCO programs should be paying attention to the type of season the before mentioned Ibrahima Athie is having. His 19-point, 10 rebound performance was his 8th double-double of the season and his fifth in a row according to the Cincinnati Enquirer Shelby Dermer. The bouncy forward did most of his damage in transition and on the offensive boards Sunday evening often looking like the best player on the court even in defeat. Athie currently leads the CHL in scoring at over 19ppg and 3rd in rebounding at over 10 per game.
- What was the Associated Press thinking not putting the Cavaliers in their top 10? One of the hottest teams in Southwest Ohio, this victory was Purcell 12th straight win. During that period they have wins over Wyoming (AP #4/PHO#4) and now Deer Park (AP#9/PHO#5) along with victories over D-I programs St. Xavier and Elder. It’s time the rest of the state takes Coach Kerr’s team seriously.
- Coach Steve Gentry’s team has lost two games in a row for the 1st time since the 2017 season and now stand at 10-5 on the season, 6-2 in the conference. With losses to conference rivals Wyoming and Reading already this season, Deer Park will probably need to win out and get a little help if they hope to win a 2nd straight league title.