10 Best: Riverview vs. Dillard
Dillard cruised to a 77-59 victory over Sarasota Riverview on Wednesday night at the City of Palms Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla. The Panthers (10-4) pulled out the win despite losing senior Citadel commit Robert Johnson to an ankle injury…
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Continue ReadingDillard cruised to a 77-59 victory over Sarasota Riverview on Wednesday night at the City of Palms Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla.
The Panthers (10-4) pulled out the win despite losing senior Citadel commit Robert Johnson to an ankle injury early on and senior FSU commit Raiquan Gray getting into foul trouble.
Senior forward Jordan Wright announced his commitment to Kentucky for football on Wednesday morning but told us that he’ll be looking to walk on to the basketball team next season as well. He led Dillard with 21 points while Gray had 14.
For Riverview (4-4), senior guard Brion Whitley totaled a team-high 17 points.
MVP: Jordan Wright (Dillard)
A defensive end for the Panthers football team, Dillard showed off his athleticism after a slow start this game. He added a game-high 21 points along with three rebounds and two assists. The 6’6″, 210-pounder shot 9-of-14 from the field and even added a 3-pointer. Jordan Wright is someone this team can lean on plenty.
Best offensive performance: Brion Whitley (Riverview)
Brion Whitley never stopped battling in this game. Despite shooting 4-of-15 from the floor, he had 17 points for Riverview and nailed 5-of-8 of his free throw attempts. At 6’5″, 195 lbs., Whitley isn’t the strongest guy, but he can really play and Riverview will rely on him throughout the season
Best defensive performance: Raiquan Gray (Dillard)
Early fouls kept Raiquan Gray out of the game, but he eventually came back and gave Dillard great minutes. Finishing with 14 points, 16 rebounds, two blocks and two assists, he accomplished all that in only 18 minutes on the court. Gray is going to shine at FSU next season.
Best guy off the bench: Joniya Gadson (Dillard)
Joniya Gadson benefited the most from Gray’s absence and Johnson’s injury. The 6’9″, 235-pound senior shot 5-of-7, adding 10 points in 13 minutes in the game. Gadson is yet another key guy for the Panthers off the bench. This team is full of lengthy players who can make things happen at any point.
Best intangibles: Tyrus Jackson (Riverview)
Tyrus Jackson fought through a hard fall to come back into this game and finish with nine points, three rebounds and an assist. Jackson is someone I’ve seen throughout the year. The 6’4″, 200-pound sophomore is a backcourt leader who is coming into his own right now.
Best under-the-radar performance: Jacarri Anderson (Dillard)
I know Jacarri Anderson had just four points in this game, but the sophomore showed poise. In roughly six minutes in this game, the 6’4″, 165-pounder did his part and filled the void of the bigs that left this game. Anderson has to add muscle to his very thin frame, but his basketball IQ is evident.
Best underclassman: Malachi Wideman (Riverview)
Only a freshman, Malachi Wideman participated in the dunk contest on Sunday night. On Wednesday, he had 13 points, three steals, two assists and two rebounds. Finishing 5-of-10 from the floor, the 6’6″, 185-pounder really showcased his jump shot. Wideman is someone who has a high ceiling.
Best energy guy: Stanley Garner (Dillard)
Stanley Garnet did everything right for Dillard, connecting on 3-of-3 shots from the floor to finish with seven points. The senior point guard dished out two assists for the Panthers, but did all the things behind the scenes throughout the night.
Best catch and shoot guy: AJ Caldwell (Riverview)
The South Alabama commit knocked down three triples in this game. AJ Caldwell participated in the 3-point shootout on Sunday night but didn’t win. However, if gets the ball in his hands quick, he’ll make you pay. Caldwell has range.
Best effort: Bryce Oliver (Dillard)
Bryce Oliver had eight points in around 18 minutes on the floor. The 6’1″, 170-pound junior is a smart and crafty guard who rarely makes a bad pass. Oliver is the main passer on this team.