Prep Hoops 10 Best: Collegiate vs. Clover Hill
In the third place consolation game of the Jaguar Jamboree at Glen Allen High School, two of the more underrated programs in the Richmond area matched up. It was a defensive game in the first half, as the score was…
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Continue ReadingIn the third place consolation game of the Jaguar Jamboree at Glen Allen High School, two of the more underrated programs in the Richmond area matched up. It was a defensive game in the first half, as the score was tied 10-10 at the end of the first quarter and Collegiate led 22-18 at the end of the half. Both teams applied pressure throughout the game, but Collegiate really stepped it up in the second half. Led by the front court of juniors Ayinde Budd and Jack Wyatt, Collegiate stepped it up big time in the second half, and were able to pull away for a 54-43 win. Here’s some takeaways from the game.
MVP | Ayinde Budd | Collegiate ’18
The star football player was a big factor in the second half on both ends, and a huge reason that Collegiate was able to pull away in the third quarter. He came out on a mission, protecting the rim and finishing plays in the paint for them. He finished with nine points, seven rebounds and three blocks on the night.
Play of the Game
Budd not only made the most plays on both ends, but he had the play of the game in the third quarter which set the tone for the rest of the half. After getting it going early in the third, Budd happened to be in the right place at the right time. Midway through the third, he gathered a rebound off a blocked shot (which was a great play in itself), and in one fluid motion he went up effortlessly off two feet and threw it down with two hands. It showed off his athleticism, and why he’s such a high level football prospect.
Best Offensive Performer | Berkeley Geho | Collegiate ’17
While Budd and Wyatt got it going in the second half, Geho was the one who stepped up big for them in the first half. The 6’2” forward showed a lot of versatility on the offensive end, hitting midrange jump shots, moving well without the ball and getting to the free throw line for easy points. He finished with 11 points and three rebounds, and five of the points he got in the first half came when Collegiate couldn’t buy a bucket early.
Best Defensive Performer | Ayinde Budd | Collegiate ’18
Budd used his athleticism to protect the rim, rebound and was a key factor in Collegiate’s press. His length and quickness bothered Clover Hill as they tried to break the press, and even if they did he was there to contest shots at the rim. He finished with three blocks as mentioned before, but he altered plenty of others with just his presence in the paint.
Best Guy off the Bench | Bryce Ritter | Collegiate ‘17
Ritter was another big factor in the first half for Collegiate who was still trying to get their feel on the offensive end. He came off the bench when Wyatt got into foul trouble, and brought them energy while playing with confidence. He finished the first half with five points and six rebounds.
Best Intangibles | Jack Wyatt | Collegiate ‘18
After dealing with foul trouble in the first half, Wyatt essentially ran the show from the high post in the second half. Against Clover Hill’s 2-3 zone, Collegiate found success probing the zone by finding Wyatt around the free throw line and allowing him to make plays. He finished around the basket with both hands, made a few nice high-low reads and kicks to his shooters, and his mere presence made Clover Hill completely change their game plan. He finished with 10 points, eight in the second half, and chipped in five rebounds and two assists.
Best Under the Radar Performer | Evan Justice | Collegiate ’17
If he wasn’t a high major prospect for baseball, Justice would have a chance to be a scholarship level player on the hard wood. A long and athletic 6’3” wing, Justice didn’t shoot the ball well but made an impact in many other ways. He finished with three steals in the second half, and was great in transition, where Clover Hill had to foul him or allow him to throw it down. The senior will head to NC State to pitch for their baseball team next year.
Best Underclassman | Jackson Watkins | Collegiate ‘ 19
In a game featuring mostly upperclassmen, Watkins was one of the few underclassmen to make an impact in the game. The sophomore guard, who also plays for Team Richmond in the summer, hit a big three for Collegiate early when they were struggling, and he played within the system for Head Coach Del Harris when his number was called.
Best Catch & Shoot Player | Dylan Bultje | Clover Hill ’17
Bultje came out on fire in the first half, scoring nine points in the first quarter and he did so by setting the tone with a deep triple to open the game. He didn’t shoot it particularly well in the second half, but even when he missed everything looked good and it wasn’t by much, so it had to be frustrating for him. Still, Bultje finished as the Cavaliers leading scorer with 11 points.
Best Rebounding Guard | Jaleel Lang
Lang showed that he’s a freak of an athlete, and while I’m not entirely sure I would not be surprised to find out he’s a star on the football field as well. Not only is he vertically explosive, he’s got great straight line speed and was quick to come help side to contest shots. Standing all but 5’11” on a good day, Lang finished with 7 rebounds for Clover Hill.