Top Performers: Wally Keller Classic (Part 2)
The 13th annual Wally Keller Classic wrapped up on Saturday with a full slate of games, six apiece on two different courts at Charlotte High in Punta Gorda, Florida. Here are the results. Main gym Vero Beach 52, Lakewood Ranch…
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Continue ReadingThe 13th annual Wally Keller Classic wrapped up on Saturday with a full slate of games, six apiece on two different courts at Charlotte High in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Here are the results.
Main gym
Vero Beach 52, Lakewood Ranch 48
The Villages 81, North Miami 71
Stranahan 77, Lakeland 61
Osceola 87, Miami Christian 80
Riverview 73, Palmetto 62
Oldsmar Christian 54, Charlotte 52
Fish tank (auxiliary gym)
North Port 46, Mariner 33
Bartow 65, Lehigh 48
Hillsborough 59, Evangelical Christian 44
Booker 55, South Miami 51
Jensen Beach 67, Venice 43
Fort Myers 75, Lemon Bay 50
Now a look at Part 2 of the top performers on the day.
ICYMI: Part 1
Luke Anderson (Lakeland)
2019 Iowa State guard/forward Luke Anderson did all he could in the comeback effort against Stranahan. He scored 26 points in the matchup and was shooting from the outside at a high clip. Often double teamed and pressured off the inbound, Anderson did a good job of fighting all game long for every one of his buckets. Anderson is always consistent.
Carlos Hart & Richard Charles (North Miami)
In a chippy loss to The Villages, North Miami leaders Carlos Hart (21 points) and Richard Charles (20 points) were everything and more for the Pioneers. All game long, Hart controlled the offense and used a smart shot selection. Charles was on fire at times from deep, making one 3-pointer from behind the white volleyball line almost near midcourt. North Miami is thick skinned and plays so hard.
Ahmad Johnson & Tre Carroll (Charlotte)
Charlotte had the game in their hands and really did it could to win Oldsmar Christian. On their home floor, Tarpons duo, 2019 guard Ahmad Johnson (19 points) and 2021 guard/forward Tre Carroll (17 points) were tough to slow down. Johnson didn’t make many shots but he seemed to be at the free throw line all game long with his aggressiveness. Carroll is at his best when he’s moving around and shooting quickly.
Javian McCollum (Ft. Myers)
2021 guard Javian McCollum is maturing in each and every game. The Ft. Myers sophomore finished with 16 points in the late night win over Lemon Bay. McCollum is vocal, moves quickly and treats every set differently. He is fun to watch as a shooter, but his development is equally enjoyable as he continues to grow.
Malachi Wideman & Tyrus Jackson (Riverview)
Riverview did its part in a convincing win over Palmetto. The Rams controlled the pace all game long as 2020 guard Malachi Wideman (17 points) and 2019 guard Tyrus Jackson (15 points) did more than enough for their side. Wideman was his usual bouncy and athletic attacker while Jackson had the best game I’ve seen him play since returning from an ankle injury last month.
Jovan Debrito & Kentron Poitier (Palmetto)
2019 guard Jovan Debrito was knocking down triples late and it kept Palmetto afloat with 18 points. He hit back to back 3’s in one sequence late in the game. Also, 2020 athlete Kentron Poitier had 17 points in this one doing his usual moves to the rim and rebounding. 2019 forward Josmel Martinez pitched in with 14 points.
David Herard & Brian Dugazon (Stranahan)
2020 guard David Herard was an all-around threat for Stranahan with 22 points and his energy was contagious throughout the team and rotational players. 2019 guard Brian Dugazon was just as good at times as a shooter with 15 points in the victory over Lakeland.
Riley Minix & Javian Cuff (Vero Beach)
2019 pair Riley Minix (18 points) and Javian Cuff (12 points) were consistent threats in the paint and move the ball down the floor time and time again in the victory over Lakewood Ranch. Fellow senior Tommie Lewis also contributed nine points with some flashy moves. It was really nice to see Minix get going and he continued his energy all game long.
Keon Buckley & Christian Shaneyfelt (Lakewood Ranch)
It took Lakewood Ranch until the second half to truly wake up offensively and match Vero Beach’s pace. 2020 duo Keon Buckley and Christian Shaneyfelt combined for 30 points in the loss. Buckley was really good at the point of attack down the stretch with a team-best 18 points while Shaneyfelt drew a good amount of contact to earn trips to the line plus and ones to end with 12 points.
Jordan Clark (Booker)
Booker guard Jordan Clark was his usual self with a 19-point outing in the comeback victory against South Miami. Cutting to the rim and driving, the 2019 guard was solid as can be.
Quinton Desamours (Lehigh)
In the loss to Bartow, 2020 Lehigh guard Quinton Desamours was the best offensive chess piece with 18 points. He isn’t afraid to shoot and he had some very bright moments in this game.