Ten Best: Championship Game Goshen Holiday Tournament – Fairfield at Elkhart Central
Game Recap: Elkhart Central 65 – Fairfield 56 Fairfield came out in a man to man defense but would not go out any further than the hands length to the three-point line. Elkhart Central was the more athletic and quick…
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Continue ReadingGame Recap: Elkhart Central 65 – Fairfield 56
Fairfield came out in a man to man defense but would not go out any further than the hands length to the three-point line. Elkhart Central was the more athletic and quick team but did not have proven shooters. Going into the second quarter, they had not made a three-point shot but were up 9-7. They managed to make one in the second quarter (1-11 – 9% first half) and the game was all tied up at 20 at the half.
Coming out in the second half, it was a different story. Adonis Brown hit back to back threes to get their offense rolling and the finished the third quarter with a 44-34 lead. Fairfield made a strong push in the middle of the fourth quarter but foul trouble and lack of size/athleticism ultimately beat them out. Elkhart Central won the Goshen Holiday Tournament 65-56 over Fairfield.
MVP: Adonis Brown (Elkhart Central)
Adonis Brown was one steal shy of posting a triple-double in the Championship Game of the Goshen Holiday Tournament. He finished with 23 points (7-10 2FG, 2-4 3FG, and 3-6 FT), 13 rebounds (9 defensive and 4 offensive), 9 steals, and 3 assists. He was nothing short of spectacular. He finished well around the rim and his athleticism was unmatched (other than his teammate) which allowed him to haul in 13 rebounds and 9 steals as the starting small forward for Elkhart Central. Brown gave Elkhart Central everything they needed and more yesterday.
Best Offensive Performance: Luke Stephens (Fairfield)
Luke Stephens was the most skilled and controlled player yesterday. He finished with a game high 28 points (7-12 2FG, 2-5 3FG, and 8-12 FT), 3 defensive rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. He was doing it all for Fairfield yesterday even with someone in his face the entire game. Elkhart Central put JT Webb on the floor solely to bother Stephens and not let him touch the ball but that didn’t slow him down. Luke handled the press well and was a smart player on both ends of the floor. He is the leader for Fairfield.
Best Defensive Performance: Adonis Brown (Elkhart Central)
Adonis Brown was unquestionably the best defensive player last night. He finished with a game high 9 steals and added 9 defensive rebounds. His athleticism, length, and quick hands bothered Fairfield’s ball handlers and lead to some easy baskets for Elkhart Central on the other end. Brown took pride in stopping his man one-on-one and being able to finish possessions with rebounds. He was the quiet leader for the team yesterday during their championship win.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance: Cornell Conner (Elkhart Central)
Cornell Conner was all over the stat sheet. The senior forward finished with 15 points (4-6 2FG, 0-2 3FG, and 7-9 FT), 24 rebounds (15 defensive and 9 offensive), 2 assists, and a game high 4 blocks. His length and athleticism bothered shots around the basket from Fairfield and he was everywhere on the rebounds. He had 4 offensive rebounds on missed free throws that either lead to baskets or him going to the free throw line. He is tenacious and smart when pursuing the basketball, putting himself in the best position to get the rebound.
Best Player Off-The-Bench: Andrew Salmon (Elkhart Central)
Andrew Salmon brought energy and experience off the bench for Elkhart Central. The senior contributed 4 points (2-3 2FG, 0-1 3FG, and 0-1 FT), 2 defensive rebounds, and 2 assists. It wasn’t necessarily the stats that helped them. His energy and leadership really helped Elkhart Central find good shots and pull away in the second half. Salmon is an under-sized forward but outworked his opponent to find openings on the offensive and defensive end of the floor.
Biggest Immediate Impact: Deveon Jackson (Elkhart Central)
Deveon Jackson is the go-to scorer for Elkhart Central but found himself in early foul trouble that really limited his minutes all game long. In the first quarter, he had 5 points and 6 rebounds. Jackson finished the night with 9 points (4-8 2FG, 0-1 3FG, and 1-2 FT), 8 rebounds (5 defensive and 3 offensive), 2 assists, and a steal. Jackson’s quick leaping ability was impressive but it is also the reason he was on the bench. His positioning was not always great and often went through the opponent to get rebounds. Had he been able to play more, he would have been the third Elkhart Central player to have a double-double.
Best Intangibles: Shandon Miller (Fairfield)
Shandon Miller is one of those players that you always know what you’re going to get. He is consistent with his play and doesn’t do anything outside of the framework of skill that he has. He finished the game with 6 points (3-8 2FG), 12 rebounds (9 defensive and 3 offensive), 3 assists, and 3 steals. His basketball IQ is good for an undersized forward. He was one of two guys to take a charge in last night’s game and was also the first to the floor for 50-50 balls.
Best Rebounder: Cornell Conner (Elkhart Central)
Cornell Conner was incredible on the glass last night for Elkhart Central. He finished with a game high 24 rebounds (15 defensive and 9 offensive). His ability to elevate instantly and go right back up was the reason he won many rebounds. Every rebound that was tipped eventually ended up in his hands. He was the highest hand in every rebound and pulled down many of them with one hand. His athleticism was on full display and he really rebounds the ball well. Still a raw talent type of guy but he has the athleticism and mindset/drive to play at the next level.
Best Underclassmen: Cordell Hofer (Fairfield)
Cordell Hofer was a role player for Fairfield but the sophomore was still impressive. He stands at a lean 6’3” and used his length and athleticism well. Hofer finished with 4 points (1-2 2FG and 2-6 FT), 10 rebounds (8 defensive and 2 offensive), 2 blocks, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Although he was not overly aggressive on the offensive end of the floor, he adds different elements to the Fairfield roster. If Hofer becomes more aggressive on the offensive end, he will be a great piece for Fairfield moving forward.
Biggest Takeaway: Athleticism Won Out
Athleticism was on full display last night as Elkhart Central won the rebounding battle (+16), steals (+2), and blocks (+4). Not only did they win these categories, they were able to knock down the three-point shot when they needed too. Fairfield’s game plan was spot on until Elkhart Central got hot from deep. When the driving lanes opened up, Central had no problem getting to the basket and finishing around the rim. Even on misses, they had at least three bodies looking to get offensive rebounds. It was a great battle by both teams last night and Fairfield has a good season ahead.
Congratulations to Elkhart Central on winning the Goshen Holiday Tournament Championship.