Risers: Stranahan @ St. Thomas Aquinas
Using a 26-9 third quarter, the Stranahan Mighty Dragons methodically defeated the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders 80-51. The Mighty Dragons (17-6) used virtually its entire platoon in the 29-point victory with ten different scorers. Aquinas, who has split its last…
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Continue ReadingUsing a 26-9 third quarter, the Stranahan Mighty Dragons methodically defeated the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders 80-51. The Mighty Dragons (17-6) used virtually its entire platoon in the 29-point victory with ten different scorers. Aquinas, who has split its last six games, stuck around early before the depth of the Mighty Dragons began to kick in. The Raiders trailed by six after one quarter and fourteen at halftime, mostly against Stranahan’s top unit led by 2020 guard Chayse Culpepper and 2020 forward Inady Legiste. The senior pair played sparingly in the second half, giving some of the Dragons younger players a chance for extended playing time.
Here are some risers from the game:
Andrew Akuchie – St. Thomas Aquinas: With the season in its final stages, Akuchie has improved his offensive game from the beginning of the Raiders schedule until now. Against a state championship level team, I thought Akuchie played at a high level with ten first quarter points. Overall, the 2022 6-foot-7 forward finished with a team-high 14 points, including three 3-pointers. With his ability to stretch the floor, Akuchie seems more aggressive and confident in his shot. Defensively, he has that natural length you look for in a front court player. I think the sophomore has an opportunity to really develop on the AAU circuit if he polishes up his mid-range game and post skills with added bulk in the weight room. Look for Akuchie to blossom this summer.
Houston Culpepper – Stranahan: The 2022 6-foot-3 forward had a big game against the Raiders, scoring a game-high 18 points while also collecting five rebounds. With older brother Chayse graduating, I expect Houston to carry on the Culpepper legacy as he rises into an upperclassmen at Stranahan. Culpepper has good size and is not afraid to muster it up in the paint to grab a rebound. Furthermore, Culpepper can use that strength for points in the paint. The sophomore is also quick to the basket, evident by a baseline drive for a pretty up-and-under score in the second half against the Raiders. Culpepper will certainly take on more responsibility as he heads into his junior year.
Dave Herard – Stranahan: As a senior, Herard is not by definition a “riser” as he is booked to Charlottesville to play cornerback at Virginia. However, the 2020 shooting guard had a big game against the Raiders and I couldn’t leave him off. The senior knocked down three 3-pointers to finish with 17 points. In addition, Herard is as athletic as anyone in South Florida at getting to the basket. Simply put, never think a window is closed when he is flying down the paint or driving baseline for a bucket opportunity.
Zach Zibelli – St. Thomas Aquinas: The 2021 point guard only had five points, but the stat sheet really doesn’t tell the whole story. As a general on the floor, Zibelli has good vision, setting up his Raiders teammates with open looks. On one play, Zibelli found 2020 shooting guard Devin Aloma for a corner 3-pointer. The junior is a good ball-handler and I thought carried himself well against defensive pressure from the Mighty Dragons. Furthermore, the six-footer showed off his athleticism with a strong drive for an up-and-under layup in the second half. Zibelli is a tough kid driving to the basket and makes the most out of his time on the floor. I think any coach would be lucky to have his back-court instincts at the college level. Another word I would describe him as is coachable.
Mario Bynes – Stranahan: The 2021 shooting guard/small forward is one of the handful of kids on the Mighty Dragons that can finish in double figures. Against the Raiders, Bynes stroked three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points. The junior is a athletic cog in the spinning juggernaut that is the Mighty Dragons. With a strong 2020 class soon departing, Bynes should be looked upon as a senior leader for Stranahan.
Savie McCall – Stranahan: Despite being a senior, I thought McCall gave the Mighty Dragons solid minutes in the win over the Raiders. The 6-foot-3 forward finished with six points while collecting five rebounds. In the fourth quarter, McCall assisted on a few plays to Houston Culpepper, one being that pretty up-and-under layup I mentioned earlier. Strong production from players like McCall only helps the Mighty Dragons quest for back-to-back state championships with added in-game experience.
For South Florida hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 or follow him on twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.