10 Best: Wharton vs. Wiregrass Ranch
Wharton finished on top in its visit to Wiregrass Ranch on Tuesday night. The Wildcats won 58-42 in the Class 8A-District 8 meeting. Devin Wilson led all scorers with 19 points for the Bulls (2-2) but Wharton earned three 10…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWharton finished on top in its visit to Wiregrass Ranch on Tuesday night. The Wildcats won 58-42 in the Class 8A-District 8 meeting.
Devin Wilson led all scorers with 19 points for the Bulls (2-2) but Wharton earned three 10 plus points performances from Dae’son Barnes (16), Darin Green (14) and Isaiah Thomas (12) to improve to 4-0 this season.
MVP: Dae’son Barnes (Wharton)
Dae’son Barnes was the guy for Wharton on Tuesday night. He kept working hard to get down low and work the ball around. Barnes finished with a team-high 16 points along with five rebounds. He had seven points in the second half and really helped control the tempo for the Wildcats offense. His speed is lethal.
Best offensive performance: Darin Green (Wharton)
Only a sophomore, Darin Green is a huge key to Wharton’s success. He posted 14 points, four rebounds and a steal. Green buried three 3’s in this game and didn’t hesitate on any of them. His distance is noticeable. He is a team player who is buying into the Wildcats tactics on both sides of the ball.
Best defensive performance: Isaiah Thomas (Wharton)
Besides Barnes and Green, Isaiah Thomas was the next best thing on offense and defense for Wharton. The 2018 prospect also had three steals, a block and a rebound. In the early part of the third quarter, he had a block, a steal and a tough layup in the span of 5 seconds.
Best guy off the bench: Reggie Jennings (Wharton)
Reggie Jennings had a heck of a game in this one. The senior transfer from Wesley Chapel finished with nine points and really made plays all over the court. He was smooth in transition, didn’t give up leverage on defense and knocked down some tough shots in the paint.
Best intangibles: Devin Wilson (Wiregrass Ranch)
Wiregrass Ranch lives and dies by Devin Wilson on offense. The senior guard is a clutch player, but he can’t do it all himself. Wharton made life tough on him and his teammates in the second half. Wilson had a game-high 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block. He attacked often in this game and flashed a smooth sense around the paint.
Best under-the-radar performance: Tray Gildon (Wharton)
Tray Gildon may have only finished with two points, but he set up shots for his teammates and played an unselfish style of basketball. The senior guard had a few big rebounds and steals that brought energy to Wharton. Gildon is a kid who is a true team player.
Best underclassmen: Elijah Howell (Wiregrass Ranch)
The lone sophomore on the Bulls’ roster, Elijah Howell gave them hard minutes as a sub. He had six points and played with a lot of confidence for a 5’11”, 140-pound 2019 prospect. Howell is a young guy who is settling in right now.
Best catch and shoot guy: VJ Williams (Wiregrass Ranch)
VJ Williams didn’t give up anything easy on defense and on offense he hustled on the boards when he didn’t have the ball in his hands. Even at 5’11”, 170 lbs, Williams was able to grab six rebounds. He also had seven points and a steal. He’s a savvy player to monitor in the 2018 class.
Best energy guy: Justin Rush (Wiregrass Ranch)
The former Wharton Wildcat had four points in this game. Justin Rush flew in transition a few times but couldn’t finish. At 6’5″, 195 lbs., the junior is going to improve his game as the season goes on. He has so much untapped potential and is beyond athletic.