2021 Zip Zone Classic ~ Recap Pt. 1
Prep Hoops staff was in attendance for a full slate of scrimmages Saturday at Martin County for the 2021 Zip Zone Express Classic. Jim & Linda Booth, the good folks at Zip Zone Express, and Martin County School District facilitated…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops staff was in attendance for a full slate of scrimmages Saturday at Martin County for the 2021 Zip Zone Express Classic. Jim & Linda Booth, the good folks at Zip Zone Express, and Martin County School District facilitated a phenomenal event. A special thank you to Coach Jones and his Martin County Cardinals coaching staff for putting this event together! We’ve split our recap into five sections: Recap Pt. 1 & Recap Pt. 2, and Super Star Performers, Top Performers: Guards/Wings & Top Performers: Posts.
Pike County Central (15th Region) vs Knott County Central (14th Region)
The battle between two Eastern Kentucky schools kicked off the event. Both teams started several young players with the guidance of one senior to anchor them. Each unit is still searching for rhythm and identity to start the season. Knott Central led the entire game and found consistent success from playing inside-out. Caleb Shepherd was a workhorse in the post area and displayed several, polished post moves around the rim. He used his body to carve out space to finish with either hand. As the game progressed, the defense scrambled to stop Shepherd and allowed Drake Slone Drake Slone 6'1" | CG Knott County Central | 2025 State KY and Kizer Slone to showcase their offensive talent, knocking down multiple outside shots. Super Senior Josh Du Toit single-handedly kept the Hawks in the game by scoring from everywhere on the court. Du Toit is an athletic, crafty player that finished last season averaging 19+ ppg and 8+ rpg. As Coach Ratliff looks to develop his young talent, look for Du Toit to be the unshakable playmaker that keeps them competitive on a nightly basis.
Evangel Christian (6th Region) vs Pikeville (15th Region)
Much has been made about the budding powerhouse at Evangel Christian. They possess superior athleticism and length at every position on the court. The Eagles have upcoming games in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Myrtle Beach. The roster is chalked with a plethora of potential led by high-level prospects Cyr Malonga Cyr Malonga 6'10" | C Evangel Christian | 2023 State KY , Christian Spalding Christian Spalding 6'4" | PG Evangel Christian | 2022 State KY , and Kyran Tilley Kyran Tilley 6'1" | PG Evangel Christian | 2024 State KY . However, it was clear that they still need time to gel on the court. Pikeville managed to withstand the initial surge and found its rhythm in the second half. The Panthers forced numerous live-ball turnovers led by senior and Shelby Valley transfer, Keian Worrix Keian Worrix 5'7" | PG Shelby Valley | 2022 State KY . Worrix is the ultimate floor-general that is a dynamic playmaker inside the 3pt line. Laithan Hall Laithan Hall 6'0" | PG Pikeville | 2022 State KY and Heath Jarrell capitalized on their open looks and were key contributors to the 40 point outburst in the second half that ultimately dismantled Evangel. Tilley was the standout player for Coach Miller’s team. He is a smooth combo guard that has shifty elusiveness that allows him to get to any spot on the court. In addition to setting up teammates for open looks, Tilley scored in traffic and knocked down shots off the dribble.
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