Five Takeaways: Brush vs. Hughes
Brush fought back to make it a one-possession game going into the fourth, but Hughes stepped on the peddle to outscore the Arcs 27-14 for a double-digit win. Hughes moves to 9-2 with the win at Flyin’ to the Hoop.
Unsigned lead guard Giovanni Santiago dropped a ton of dimes in the open floor, leading to four Big Red players scoring in double figures.
Now, five takeaways.
Positionless basketball
Three 6’5″ wings who can handle, rebound, and pass is the mantra for Hughes. They’re gone up the floor once the defensive rebound is secured — taking 6’9″ Brush center John Hugley out of the game (two points and three rebounds). Their transition energy carries over to the offensive rebounds, as everyone crashes the glass to keep possessions alive.
DJ Brewton is back after a huge summer
Following his grassroots season with Team One Phenoms, the unsigned 6’5″ guard made his Hughes debut after transferring from Mount Healthy. He scored the ball from the outside and converted a few tough one-dribble pull-ups. Brewton is a scorer that would be a nice piece to a Division II’s recruiting class. He can defend 1-3. Excellent in the open floor. Has just one offer, from Henderson State in Arkansas.
For now, his return is the final piece for Hughes. This team has a chance to be special with a selfless guard who, at the same time, can get a shot whenever. He blends perfectly with their uptempo style and can be the go-to scoring option in the halfcourt.
Giovanni Santiago is still available
The 6’1″ Puerto Rico native keeps everyone involved for Hughes. He handles himself as a court general with a special gift for court awareness. The team’s fastbreaking style of play suits Santiago given his end to end speed and ability to change directions without breaking stride. Low major colleges looking to push in transition should take another look at the lefty.
Santiago had five assists (should’ve had at least two more because of blown layups) and three turnovers.
Andre Harris loves the left wing
Coming from the left wing and driving right is where Harris thrives as a slasher. He absorbs contact, squeezes the ball on his gather then scoops with a long right arm finish. He also countered the move with a euro step that finished on the left side of the rim while driving middle.
He finished with 20 points on 56 percent shooting. Developing confidence in the jumper will boost his recruitment.
Deion Burton off the bench
Brush really struggled for portions of this game. Inserting senior 5’9″ guard Deion Burton during their first half woes provided a spark. The sixth man scored 14 points, 12 of which game from beyond the arch.