10 BEST: Gainesville vs. Lake Weir
Two Class 6A-District 4 rivals clashed last Tuesday night as Ocala-Lake Weir traveled to face Gainesville High. In this battle of the Hurricanes, GHS walked away the victor, 62-34. Lake Weir (1-5) gained 12 points from Seymour Williams. Gainesville (6-1)…
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Continue ReadingTwo Class 6A-District 4 rivals clashed last Tuesday night as Ocala-Lake Weir traveled to face Gainesville High. In this battle of the Hurricanes, GHS walked away the victor, 62-34. Lake Weir (1-5) gained 12 points from Seymour Williams. Gainesville (6-1) junior Christian Miller-Cardwell tallied 13 points in the win.
MVP: Kaijon Scott (GHS)
Standing at 6’3”, 165 pounds, the senior notched ten points, three steals, three assists, two rebounds and one block—all while committing just one turnover the entire game.
On a breakaway Lake Weir layup, Scott earned one of his blocks by coming around the left side of the rim-attacker and completely stuffing his shot. In that same motion, he manage to steal the ball with the same hand and lead his own fast break, resulting in one of his three assists.
Best Offensive Performance: Christian Miller Cardwell (GHS)
CMC is showing himself as one of the marquee players on this squad. The junior notched a game-high 13 points while making his presence felt on the glass with three offensive rebounds. He definitely can be a stud on this team come next season.
Best Defensive Performance: Kaijon Scott (GHS)
This senior is not shy when it comes to defending. At all times, his hands are active. It payed off on Tuesday, as he tallied three steals and a huge block in the paint which lead to a GHS fast break. Scott is a player opposing point guards should not toy with the ball around.
Best Guy Off The Bench: Edgardo Llanos-Romero (LW)
Though he came off the pine, he managed to be second in team scoring with eight points in the loss against Gainesville. This 6’2”, 185 pound sophomore did his best to provide a high motor when it was needed. If he can develop his ball handling a bit more, next season could be a breakout year for Llanos-Romero.
Best Shoes: Tristaven Pitts (LW)
Paying a tribute to the recently-retired “Black Mamba”, Pitts donned the Nike Zoom Kobe 9’s in the classic Los Angeles Lakers purple and gold colorway. Definitely a nice touch, considering their uniforms are in the same pattern.
Most Under-The-Radar: Christian Miller-Cardwell (GHS)
I had another name in mind, but after Gainesville head coach Kelly Beckham told me that CMC hasn’t gotten looks from any schools at the moment, I have to say he’s the most slept on player between the two teams. He offered 13 points, five total rebounds, one assist and a steal on Tuesday. He’s worth taking a look at.
Best Aspect Of The Environment: “The Purple Palace”
Gainesville High School’s colors are purple and white. Their gym is appropriately dubbed “The Purple Palace”. While you instantly feel a little royal as soon as you walk in, it doesn’t hit you that they take it seriously until you see the moniker written on the hardwood. That, plus seeing a man with a full purple and white Jordan jumpsuit and matching Lebron Zoom Soldier 3’s sit right next to the scorers table, provided an awesome atmosphere.
Best Rebounder: Jeremiah Tisme (GHS)
Coach Beckham may have a slight X-Factor in Tisme when it comes to the boards. Though he came off the bench, the 6’10 sophomore led the team in rebounds with seven (three offensive, four defensive). He happens to be 169 pounds, so he should dedicate to a weight-train, weight-gain program in the offseason. But if he continues to grow into his frame, he could be a force to try and stop.
Best Quote: Head Coach Kelly Beckham (GHS)
“You saw how excited his teammates were for him. And he’s only about 5’7”, 5’8”. I’m really happy for Josh. He’s a great young man. That’s what high school sports is all about, just having fun and seeing him excel.” – Coach K.B. on Josh Dudley’s tomahawk dunk towards the end of the game.
Best Energy: J’len Wilson (GHS)
This 5’10” sophomore only tallied two points in the win, but his five assists, three rebounds, one block and steal bode well for the Hurricanes. As soon as he snagged a rebound, he’s looking to push the ball to the open man. He’s scrappy, aggressive and a great player to watch grow on the court.