10 Best: Miami Christian vs. St. Petersburg
Miami Christian pressured St. Petersburg all game to pick up an 81-67 win on Monday at the City of Palms Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla. The Victors (10-0) forced 28 turnovers while employing the half court pressure with St. Pete…
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Continue ReadingMiami Christian pressured St. Petersburg all game to pick up an 81-67 win on Monday at the City of Palms Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla.
The Victors (10-0) forced 28 turnovers while employing the half court pressure with St. Pete starters Darius Banks (ankle) and A.J. Ford (back) sidelined.
Senior Josh Rosario led Miami Christian with 20 points while junior Serrel Smith had 30 points for St. Pete (4-2).
MVP: Josh Rosario (Miami Christian)
Josh Rosario did just about everything offensively for the Victors with a team-best 20 points along with three assists, two rebounds and two steals. The 6’3″ senior guard hit on 7-of-15 of his field goal attempts which included five 3’s. Rosario was the best pure shooter on the floor in this game.
Best offensive performance: Serrel Smith (St. Pete)
Serrel Smith is used to scoring 20 or more points every game, but not without his partner in crime, Banks. Smith had a game-high 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting along with four steals and four rebounds. Miami Christian made life tough on him as they double teamed him on the press pretty much the entire day. Smith showed so much grittiness, but he can only do so much on his own.
Best defensive performance: Neftali Alvarez (Miami Christian)
In a team-high 31 minutes, junior guard Neftali Alvarez had 18 points, eight steals and two rebounds. He shot 7-of-10 from the floor which was impressive, but Alvarez was the key to the press as he forced St. Pete to make bad decisions and passes for much of the game.
Best guy off the bench: Jeffery Hernandez (Miami Christian)
A 6’5″, 190-pound junior, Jeffery Hernandez recorded eight points in less than four minutes on the floor. Coming off the bench, Hernandez is a lengthy and strong kid who gives head coach Juan Cardona plenty to work with. Expect Hernandez to be in for an even bigger role next season.
Best intangibles: Eduardo Camacho (Miami Christian)
The effort from Eduardo Camacho is very impressive. The senior guard had 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. At 6’1″, 165 lbs., he really ever gives up on a play and he’s one of many Victors who can set up the offense with high-end passes.
Best under-the-radar performance: D.J. Anderson (St. Pete)
D.J. Anderson drew the start with Banks injured. The 6’2″, 145-pound junior had six points, seven rebounds, three steals and an assist in this game. Anderson shot 50 percent from the field (3-of-6) and really was the next best thing for St. Pete behind Smith.
Best catch and shoot guy: Josh Rosario (Miami Christian)
A 6’3″ senior, Josh Rosario can really make it happen from outside. He connected on 5-of-11 of his 3’s in this game and made St. Pete frustrated time and time again. The passing of Miami Christian opened up so much space for Rosario to knock down triples all game long.
Best energy guy: Felipe Haase (Miami Christian)
The biggest guy on the court at 6’10”, senior center Felipe Haase took advantage on Monday against St. Pete. Haase totaled 14 points, six rebounds, two steals, a block and an assist. He currently ranks No. 27 overall in the Prep Hoops Florida 2017 prospect rankings.
Biggest surprise performance: Steve Roberts (St. Pete)
With Banks and Ford out, junior guard Steve Roberts gave the Green Devils strong minutes scoring eight points and grabbing five rebounds. The 6’1″, 140-pounder is starting to be a part of the rotation more and that bodes well as the season progresses. He has nice instincts near the rim for a guard.
Best athlete: Serrel Smith (St. Pete)
Smith was frustrated more often than not as he turned the ball over 10 times. Miami Christian doubled him throughout and pressed him relentlessly. Smith broke the press late and certainly flashed his pure athleticsm.