BSN Sports Showcase – Damien 78, SFC 71
San Diego teams got their chance to prove their mettle against some of the top teams in Southern California Dec. 14 at the BSN Sports Showcase. Carlsbad High played host to eight games, beginning with the 9:30 a.m. tilt between…
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Continue ReadingSan Diego teams got their chance to prove their mettle against some of the top teams in Southern California Dec. 14 at the BSN Sports Showcase.
Carlsbad High played host to eight games, beginning with the 9:30 a.m. tilt between San Diego and Brea Olinda and culminating with an instant classic between Capistrano Valley and Poway, which needed a 50-foot buzzer beater to decide the outcome.
Up next, we explore Damien’s down-to-the-wire win over Santa Fe Christian
Damien shoots the lights out
The Spartans have perimeter shooting at every position, and displayed it in the win, going 11 for 25 from deep. The most noted of its shooters is senior Austin Cook, who hit four 3s, but junior point guard Chris Nickleberry (3), sophomore wing RJ Smith (2) and several other players contributed to the onslaught.
Nickleberry (super quick, crafty playmaker) and Smith (high-energy slasher and rebounder) had nice overall efforts for the Spartans.
Saagar Dhanjani steals the show
With the Eagles’ offense sputtering, it took a dose of energy and effort from senior guard Saagar Dhanjani to get them going. Standing 6-0, Dhanjani collected 6 offensive rebounds and finished virtually everything around the basket for his team-high 22 points. His competitive fire and motor are very impressive, and should he want to continue his playing career, high-academic schools (near a 5.0 GPA) should reach out.
Malik Thomas is a load to handle
Thomas is a known commodity in So-Cal and national hoops conversations due to his summer exploits with the Compton Magic. With his high school team, he proved to be a force driving to the basket and drawing fouls at a prolific clip. He shot 15 free throws – making 11 – en route to his 20 points and 10 rebounds. Once he gets a head of steam, he’s nearly unguardable at this level.
Austin Cook steadies the ship
The Spartans senior wing won’t wow you with athleticism, but his IQ, on-court demeanor and skill level are quite high. He shot 4-8 from deep to finish with a game-high 23 points, and collected 9 rebounds. The lone senior, Cook is like a security blanket for the Spartans because he will more often than not make the right play.
Sam Dudley improves as a prospect
The 6-2 son of Chris Dudley has put up solid numbers to start his senior year, mostly off the bounce. Dudley is a slasher who has solid body control and finishing ability around the basket. He runs the floor and gets good spacing in transition and finishes the break smoothly, and at times with authority above the rim. While streaky, Dudley’s shooting stroke is solid and should become more playable with greater reps.