Ten Best: J&C Classic 3rd Place Game – Lafayette Jeff at West Lafayette
The 3rd place game of the J&C Classic between West Lafayette and Lafayette Jeff took place this evening at Lafayette Jeff High School. Jalen Williams and Chandler Ferguson of Lafayette Jeff were moved into the starting line-up for this game…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe 3rd place game of the J&C Classic between West Lafayette and Lafayette Jeff took place this evening at Lafayette Jeff High School. Jalen Williams and Chandler Ferguson of Lafayette Jeff were moved into the starting line-up for this game and Jeff looked like a completely different team from the start. Williams started the game with three straight 3-pointers which set the tone for the remainder of the game. The Bronchos took a 26 – 19 lead into the half and never looked back. As a team, they shot 10-17 (58.8%) from deep for the game, finishing off the Red Devils 70 – 58 to finish 3rd place in the J&C Classic as West Lafayette finished in 4th place.
MVP: David Hanyard (Lafayette Jeff)
Hanyard was quiet in the first half with only 5 points and 2 assists but saw his production explode in the second half. He finished the game with 27 points (7-9 2FG, 2-3 3FG, and 7-7 FT), 4 rebounds (2 defensive and 2 offensive), 3 assists, and 2 steals. Hanyard is the leader of this team and played that way during crunch time in the 3rd place game. He was not to be denied from the second half and he finished the game shooting 75% from the floor. He was both efficient and effective as he lead the Bronchos to the win.
Best Offensive Performance: Jalen Williams (Lafayette Jeff)
J.P. Williams was lights out all game. Williams finished with 19 points (0-1 2FG, 6-6 3FG, and 1-2 FT), 3 rebounds (2 defensive and 1 offensive), 2 assists, and a steal. Williams stretched the floor for all of his teammates to have open driving lanes finishing the game 100% from deep. He was looking for his shot from the start after hitting his first three drop deep in the first quarter. Although his teammates didn’t work to get him open and he didn’t get any plays drawn up for him, Williams was effective all night long.
Best Defensive Performance: Marell Jordon (Lafayette Jeff)
Marell Jordon was removed from the starting line-up from the Bronchos previous games but that did not affect the impact that he had on the defensive end of the floor. The 5’10” junior has a long wing span for his size and bothers guards with his length. His athleticism is also something else to note as he came away with some big rebounds over bigger opponents. Jordon finished the game with a game high 3 steals in 15 minutes of clock.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance: Charlie Nycz (West Lafayette)
Although it was in a losing performance, Nycz quietly poured in 18 points (3-5 2FG, 3-8 3FG, and 3-3 FT), had 3 rebounds (1 defensive and 2 offensive), and a steal. Charlie is the leader for the Red Devils and was consistent all game long. Nycz will need to look to be more of a facilitator this season at times (finished without an assist) as the leading PG for West Lafayette but in this game, he did all he could to make it close.
Biggest Upside: Nelson Mbongo (West Lafayette)
Nelson Mbongo of West Lafayette is a 6’5” sophomore with an athletic build and incredible knack for the ball. His length is troublesome on the defensive end and he uses his wide upper body to finish well around the basket. In this contest, he was much more aggressive in the second half finishing the game with 11 points (2-6 2FG and 7-9 FT), 7 rebounds (3 defensive and 4 offensive), and 2 assists. Mbongo is still learning how to make an impact on the game but will be a player to keep an eye on this season.
Best Leader: David Hanyard (Lafayette Jeff)
As the MVP and leading senior scorer, Hanyard is the unquestioned leader for the Bronchos. Hanyard has the ball in his hands during crunch time and made the best decision possession after possession. He gets the best out of the guys around him and lead by example in the second half. Hanyard was great from the floor and lead his team to a win as West Lafayette began to make a push in the 4th quarter. He kept the team composed and helped Jeff to the 3rd place win.
Best Player Off-The-Bench: Marell Jordon (Lafayette Jeff)
Marell Jordon came off the bench for the Bronchos but was great with is minutes. He finished with 6 points (1-3 2FG and 4-4 FT), 3 defensive rebounds, an assist, a block, and 3 steals. Most of the production for both teams came from the starting groups but Jordon found a way to make his presence felt even though it wasn’t in the scoring column. His effort on both ends was unmatched and it payed off as he saw more minutes than some of the starters.
Best Rebounder: George Karlaftis (West Lafayette)
George Karlaftis was all over the glass on both ends of the floor for the Red Devils. Karlaftis is a stout 6’4” and uses his frame very well to create space. He finished the game with 9 rebounds (6 defensive and 3 offensive). He was one shy of a double-double for the game. His athleticism and strength was hard to match up against as the Bronchos biggest body is 6’5” but nowhere near the size of Karlaftis. George was a man amongst boys around the basket.
Best Underclassmen: George Karlaftis (West Lafayette)
George Karlaftis was also the best underclassmen in the contest. The sophomore forward finished the game with 16 points (7-10 2FG and 2-5 FT), 9 rebounds (6 defensive and 3 offensive), 2 blocks, and a steal. Karlaftis was impressive the entire week. There wasn’t anyone that made him uncomfortable around the basket as his size and strength proved to be too much for all the teams in the tournament. He will be a big different maker for West Lafayette this season.
Biggest Takeaway: Jeff is Tough if the Shot is Falling
After getting the chance to watch Lafayette Jeff play a few times this week, one thing become clear. Jeff will be a tough team if the long ball is falling. The have the athleticism and quickness to go around just about any team that they are going to play but if they can consistently knock down the 3-point shot, they will be hard to guard. West Lafayette may struggle early in the season as guys try to find their role with the team or find their spot in the rotation. They have the talent to be a good team.