10 Best: Montverde vs. Memphis East
Montverde won its third City of Palms Classic title on Wednesday night in a 63-54 win over Memphis East (Tenn.). The Eagles (10-0) trailed 31-29 at the break but played up-tempo basketball in the second half. Senior center Grant Shepard…
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Continue ReadingMontverde won its third City of Palms Classic title on Wednesday night in a 63-54 win over Memphis East (Tenn.).
The Eagles (10-0) trailed 31-29 at the break but played up-tempo basketball in the second half. Senior center Grant Shepard put Montverde ahead with 2:47 left and they never looked back.
Sophomore R.J. Barrett led the Eagles with 15 points while Shepard had 12 and Sean Mobley added 11. For Memphis East, Alex Lomax posted a game-high 18 points.
MVP: Grant Shepard (Montverde)
RJ Barrett was named the City of Palms final MVP, but Grant Shepard really stood out in this game. The senior center added a team-best 10 points in the first half and connected on a tough lay-up to give Montverde the lead for good late in the fourth quarter. At 6’9″, 210 lbs., Shepard is one of many key transfers for the Eagles. He comes off the bench and gives really good minutes.
Best offensive performance: R.J. Barrett (Montverde)
The top sophomore in the nation according to ESPN, Scout and our own rankings on Prep Hoops, R.J. Barrett struggled with only two points over the first 16 minutes. However, he came alive in the second half when his team needed him the most with 13 points as he finished with 15. Barrett slammed home a few and fought in the paint. This kid continues to get better with each game.
Best defensive performance: Malcolm Dandridge (Memphis East)
Known for his dunking ability, Memphis East forward Malcolm Dandridge led all players with eight rebounds and four blocks along with nine points. Only a sophomore, the 6’8″, 220-pounder has so much room to grow as an inside player. He looks really good at times on offense and holds his own on defense.
Best guy off the bench: Andrew Nembhard (Montverde)
Sophomore Andrew Nembhard impressed in every game this tournament. He had 10 points each over the first two games and nine in this matchup, shooting 4-of-4 from the field. The 6’3″, 190-pound combo guard is one of the top sophomores in the nation and certainly one of the best options off the bench.
Best intangibles: Marcus Carr (Montverde)
Marcus Carr dazzled all tournament long. He had nine points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals in this game. Carr brought so much toughness to the Montverde lineup and continues to prove why Pittsburgh is getting one heck of a point guard.
Best under-the-radar performance: Sean Mobley (Montverde)
The VCU commit is a hard worker and someone who doesn’t let anyone bully him around on the court. Sean Mobley had 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal against Memphis East. Mobley is someone who uses his 6’9″ frame to his advantage as a jump shooter and as an interior player.
Best catch and shoot guy: Alex Lomax (Memphis East)
A 5’11”, 180-pound junior guard, Alex Lomax was everything for the Mustangs in this game. He had 18 points along with four steals, three rebounds and an assist and a block. Lomax connected on 2-of-5 from long range and came up with huge shots down the stretch.
Best energy guy: Grant Shepard (Montverde)
Shepard never gave up on plays in this game. There’s a reason why he shot 5-of-6 from the field and earned over 20 minutes of time on the court. The Eagles need to find ways to get Shepard more playing time, he’s simply too good.
Best effort: Radarious Washington (Memphis East)
I thought Memphis East sophomore forward Radarious Washington fought all night long. The 6’4″, 205-pounder played the four spot a lot with Chandler Lawson in foul trouble. Washington finished with six points, six rebounds, an assist and a steal. On one possession, he had three rebounds and put back his own miss. He’s someone to monitor in Tennessee.
Best dunker: R.J. Barrett (Montverde)
Perhaps the best dunker in the entire tournament, Barrett has grown even more since last season. At the City of Palms a year ago, he turned plenty of heads. This time around with higher expectations, he did it again and his dunks were pretty to watch.