Top Performers: McEachern vs. University
Earlier in the night No. 1 ranked Memphis East took down Chicago Simeon 70-60 in the first of two City of Palms Classic semifinals. Then, it was McEachern vs. University for the nightcap.
University outlasted McEachern 71-63 in a back and forth battle that included a 26-point night from Indians guard Sharife Cooper. For University, the Sharks earned 21 points from junior forward Vernon Carey Jr. and 20 points from senior guard Drue Drinnon.
Here are the top performers on the night.
Sharife Cooper (McEachern)
After adding 21 and 42 points in his first two games of the tournament, the sophomore sensation had a nice night with 26 points on 14-of-28 shooting from the field. Cooper also had six assists, three steals and two rebounds. Even though he connected on just 2-of-9 from beyond the arc, Cooper made it look easy attacking the rim and he is a true high-Division I player in the making.
Drue Drinnon (University)
The senior New Mexico commit had his best performance of the City of Palms Classic thus far. He shot 8-of-13 from the field, adding 20 points. Drinnon went to the hoop often, hit from outside and was quick and smart with the ball. He was clutch for the Sharks.
Vernon Carey Jr. (University)
At times, Carey Jr. was kept in check early but he still managed a nice night with 21 points and 10 rebounds. The junior big man connected 9-of-14 from the field. Carey Jr. is a hard worker and he fought inside for University. He is coming along as a pure shooter and his handle is a work in progress but with his height and strength, he will only get better.
Isaac Okoro (McEachern)
The junior forward paced Cooper with 16 points of his own. He shot 7-of-16 from the field. Okoro, a 6’6″ lengthy forward had some nice takes to the rim but down the stretch, he didn’t find his stroke. He’s a dynamic slasher who can really be a sound Division I player once he gets more consistent.
Scottie Barnes (University)
I loved the way Barnes played in this game with 10 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals. He shot just 3-of-9 from the field, but Barnes was all over the floor for the Sharks. Only a sophomore, this is a high energy athlete who is long and willing to put his body on the line for his team at 6’6.”
Bonus: Play of the Game
Senior West Virginia commit Trey Doomes had eight points for University, this was his finest bucket.