5 Takeaways: East Lake at Clearwater
East Lake spoiled Clearwater’s senior night on Wednesday. The Eagles led after one, 16-8, but at the break (30-30) and at the end of three quarters of play (46-46), the game was an even battle. East Lake eventually wore down…
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Continue ReadingEast Lake spoiled Clearwater’s senior night on Wednesday.
The Eagles led after one, 16-8, but at the break (30-30) and at the end of three quarters of play (46-46), the game was an even battle.
East Lake eventually wore down Clearwater and did its best to soak up some clock along the way to win 60-55.
Here is a look at the five takeaways from the outing.
Gabrelcik is rising up
Known for his outside shot, 2021 East Lake guard Dean Gabrelcik was red hot in this matchup. Recording a game-best 22 points, the 6’3″ sophomore is a fun energy player. He connected on five 3’s including four in the first half alone. He was going to the basket in the second half. His quick trigger jumper is a good asset, but nothing was better to see then his put away basket as East Lake went ahead 52-46 in the fourth quarter. Gabrelcik went inside, scored a tough bucket and drew a trip to the free throw line where he hit the one shot.
Jones can play
It was a quiet first half for 2020 6’4″ Clearwater guard Max Jones. He was held to five points. But in the second half, Jones came alive and had a confidence about him. Finishing with 19 points, Jones had seven points in both the third and fourth quarter. He’s a very good touch shooter and his combination of length and speed gives him an advantage as a mid-range shooter and driver.
Blanch has endless upside
Walking out of the Clearwater gym on Wednesday night, you get the sense that Dionte Blanch is just scratching the surface (18 points). Every time I see the 2020 6’3″ guard, I come away impressed. The East Lake athlete is strong near the cup, not afraid to attack against double or triple teams and his ballhandling is reliable. He is a talented shot blocker as well. When his 3-pointer becomes even more steady, he’ll be able to take the next step.
Peeler and Mendez do their part
Honored before the game as part of a deep group of seniors, 2019 starters Nirobi Peeler (17 points) and Gilbert Mendez (12 points) paced the floor well for Clearwater. Peeler, a 6’0″ guard is a sharpshooter who doesn’t back down. He came out firing with 11 first half points. As for Mendez, the 6’4″ wing had all of his 12 points in the opening half as he was able to create for himself near the rim.
Hillmon saves his best for last
All eight of Jordan Hillmon’s second half points were crucial for East Lake to pull out the win. The 2020 5’6″ guard ended with 14 points. He hit a jumper to give the Eagles a 43-41 lead before knocking down a corner 3 to notch the game at 46 to wrap up the third quarter. Hillmon opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer and East Lake led the rest of the way.