Five Takeaways: Southfield Bradford vs. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy
Southfield Bradford and Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy were both undefeated in conference play heading into the Feb. 5 matchup. However, thanks in large part to great defense, Chandler Park Academy was able to come out on top by a…
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Continue ReadingSouthfield Bradford and Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy were both undefeated in conference play heading into the Feb. 5 matchup. However, thanks in large part to great defense, Chandler Park Academy was able to come out on top by a final of 71-35. Chandler Park Academy was led by Andre Bradford, who scored a game-high 17 points. For Bradford, Percy Redd and Steve Smith combined to score 17 points and grab 16 rebounds.
The big 3 for Chandler Park Academy stood out
Andre Bradford, Tyland Tate and Derrick Bryant Jr. were outstanding in this game. The trio combined to score 43 points and grab 11 rebounds. Bryant Jr. had double-digit assists, Bradford was knocking down tough shots and Tate was flying all over the floor making plays. These three are the engine of the team, and when they play well, the team is usually in a good spot.
Marquez Steele is the unsung hero of the game
Steele’s impact on this game was monumental. Not only did he collect a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, but he was exceptional on the defense end. He was guarding Steve Smith throughout the game and really made life difficult for Bradford’s best player. Steele was active with his hands and was able to come away with a ton of steals that led to fast break buckets. He’s an underrated asset for the Eagles.
Turnovers and rebounding were a problem for Bradford
The reason Bradford lost this game came down to these two areas. The Bulldogs turned the ball over 21 times and got out rebounded 40-32. Chandler Park Academy pulled down double-digit offensive rebounds, and that allowed the game to get out of reach. Chandler Park Academy was able to speed up the game, which plays right into what they are trying to do. Going forward, Bradford will need to limit its turnovers if it wants to make a run in March.
Steve Smith is a solid player
Smith really didn’t get much going in this game until the middle of the third quarter. That’s when he really started asserting himself on both ends of the court. He was able to grab 11 rebounds, score 8 points and block a few shots in the game. Bulldogs coach Denolius Burkes said he wants to see Smith come out from the opening tip and play like he did late in the game. He’s the Bulldogs’ best player, and he is a big key to what they can accomplish this year.
Chandler Park Academy is a contender in Class B
There are a lot of good teams in Class B, but Chandler Park Academy is right up there with the best teams in the state. They have sound veteran leadership, a great defense and enough playmakers to carry them deep into March. Bryant Jr. is a great passing guard that knows how to set his teammates up, while Bradford is one of the best scorers in the area. Tate and Steele are two solid big men that clean up the glass and can stretch the floor. The Eagles are a real threat this season.