Prep Hoops 10 Best: St. Thomas Aquinas vs. University
St. Thomas Aquinas and University did battle on Sunday as the middle game of the Hearts 2 Hands Invitational. University came out with a vengeance as they scored the game’s first eight points. St. Thomas Aquinas would bounce back quickly…
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Continue ReadingSt. Thomas Aquinas and University did battle on Sunday as the middle game of the Hearts 2 Hands Invitational. University came out with a vengeance as they scored the game’s first eight points. St. Thomas Aquinas would bounce back quickly and go on an 18-2 run to gain control.
The Trojans broke the game open in the second quarter where they outscored University 27-13. They led by 20 heading into halftime. St. Thomas Aquinas was able to put it on cruise control and grab a 75-64 victory. Here are the 10 best from the early season matchup.
MVP: Quadry Adams, St. Thomas Aquinas
Adams turned in his fifth 20 point performance of the season in this win. The Wake Forest commit finished with 23 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Adams was all over the court in this one. He showed was able to get to the rim easily using his speed and athleticism. He ran the floor well and was able to finish well above the rim on multiple occasions. When watching this one, Adams was clearly the best player on the floor.
Play of the Game: Adams Scores Quick Five
The second quarter was where the Trojans were able to break the game wide open. During their run, Adams knocked down a three from the left wing. Jaquan Harris was able to get a steal using pressure and Adams ran the floor and caught an alley-oop to score five points in a matter of 10 seconds.This sequence forced University to call a timeout and it lit a spark under St. Thomas Aquinas.
Best Defensive Performance: Justin Harcourt, University
Harcourt was extremely efficient in this game. He finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead University. Harcourt finished 10-14 from the field but his best work might have been on the defensive end. Aside from his 10 board, Harcourt finished with two blocks and five steals. He was in the passing lanes all night long. Harcourt’s hands and feet never stopped moving on the defensive end.
Best Offensive Performance: Jaquan Harris, St. Thomas Aquinas
Harris was a close second option for MVP in this game. He was able to fill up the stat sheet with ease. Harris finished with 17 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. He was not only able to score at will on his own, but he was able to set his teammates up in the best position. Harris used his smooth ball handling to set himself up in any position and he made every right decision.
Best Guy Off the Bench: Samar Abdullah, St. Thomas Aquinas
Every team would love to have a guy come off the bench and immediately light it up from three point range. That is what the Trojans have in Abdullah. He finished with 12 points in this one and knocked down three shots from beyond the arc in the game. Abdullah also grabbed two rebounds and had one steal. He was a threat defensively as well but opposing defenses must know where he is at all times because of his ability to shoot.
Best Intangibles: Noah Mack, University
Mack was all over the floor in this game. He has been one of University’s best players to begin the season and that continued in this game. Mack finished with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Mack was playing at full speed and was effective on both sides of the ball. He has a full motor and shows it off every time he steps on the court.
Best Under-the-Radar Performance: Bakir Cleveland, University
Cleveland has put his name on the map in his junior season. He finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in this one. This was Cleveland’s third game with five assists and third double-double of the season. Cleveland opened some eyes when he turned in an 18 point, 17 rebound game against Newark East Side. He is proving that games like that will be coming in at a high rate.
Best Underclassmen: St. Thomas Aquinas
The Trojans are one of the top teams in the state this season but they have also set themselves up for success in the future. They start two sophomores in Harris and Mekhi Johnson. Abdullah comes off the bench and provides a spark. St. Thomas Aquinas has three players in the Class of 2022 that will continue to mature and grow with the program.
Best Passer: Jalen Jones, St. Thomas Aquinas
Jones was yet another player that helps the Trojans run smoothly. He finished with 10 points in this win but his passing stood out over everything else. Jones finished with six assists in this game. He was always within two passes of a score all game long. The junior is a strong ball handler who creates excitement in the open floor with his ability to finish or make the flashy pass.
Best Coaching Decision: Putting Pressure on Early
St. Thomas Aquinas saw a complete turnaround in their program when they hired Bob Turco as the head coach. Making decisions like this one is one of the reasons the Trojans are successful. Trailing 8-0 early in the first quarter, Turco called a quick timeout. Out of the huddle, St. Thomas Aquinas showed full court pressure and this allowed them to take control of the game. Turco used his lightning quick guards on the defensive end to put pressure on University.