Ten Best: J&C Classic 5th Place Game – Harrison at Central Catholic
The 5th place game of the J&C Classic between Harrison and Lafayette Central Catholic took place this afternoon at Lafayette Jeff High School. Central Catholic came out early and dominated the first half of the game lead by their freshman…
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Continue ReadingThe 5th place game of the J&C Classic between Harrison and Lafayette Central Catholic took place this afternoon at Lafayette Jeff High School. Central Catholic came out early and dominated the first half of the game lead by their freshman forward Carson Barrett. Central Catholic lead 27-21 at the half. Harrison came out in the second half with some energy and their press lead to a few quick turnovers. After a 23 point 3rd quarter, Harrison was up 44-38 heading into the 4th. Senior Jack Mathew and Junior Benito Munoz sealed the deal for the Raiders. Harrison finished 5th at the J&C Classic and Central Catholic falls into the 6th place position.
MVP: Jack Mathew (Harrison)
Jack Mathew got off to a slow start with only 2 points at the half but finished the game with a team high 13 points (4-6 2FG, 1-1 3FG, and 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds (3 defensive and 1 offensive), 3 assists, and 1 steal. He was the general on the floor for Harrison the entire game and never seemed to be flustered. He was the most consistent player for Harrison through the four quarters and his leadership kept Harrison in the game as they feel behind early. Mathew will be a tough guard this season for McCutcheon.
Best Offensive Performance: Avery Denhart (Central Catholic)
Avery Denhart had a game high 15 points in the game and was aggressive from start to finish. He scored at the basket, on the pull-up, from the three-point line, and from the free throw line. He also finished the game with a game high 4 assists. Denhart was the go-to-man for Central Catholic throughout the game and could create his own shot when needed. He was aggressive on the glass as well and ended up with a few put back buckets at the rim. His athleticism helps him rebound at the guard position.
Best Defensive Performance: Jacob Page (Central Catholic)
Jacob Page Played a game high in minutes (30+ min), was tasked with guarding Jack Mathew, and lead the game in steals (3). Page was engaged on the defensive end the entire game even when fatigue began to set in. He was able to keep himself in the game mentally and physically. Page is a strong, 6’0” senior guard who can guard PG – PF at times. His tenacity was unmatched this afternoon on the floor.
Best Under-The-Radar Performance: Bobby Dearing (Harrison)
Bobby Dearing had a quiet first half as he battled with foul trouble. At the half, he had 1 point and 1 rebound. At the final buzzer, Dearing had 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. The big lefty used his body to move people out of position and get easy buckets for himself and his teammates. Dearing has been consistent throughout the tournament posting similar numbers game in and game out. He’s got the ability to step away from the basket and knock down the jumper and uses his soft touch well around the rim.
Best Player Off-The-Bench: Austin Dunwoody (Harrison)
Austin Dunwoody came off the bench for the Raiders in today’s contest and was a game changer with his effort on the floor. Dunwoody was on the floor scrapping and hit the glass on both ends of the floor. He was also good on the defensive end keeping his man out of rhythm. He finished the game with 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. If Dunwoody can continue to give hustle minutes off the bench as he did today, Harrison will be a deeper team as the season progresses.
Greatest Upside: Carson Barrett (Central Catholic)
Carson Barrett is a long 6’4” freshman forward who can do it all. He is the best passer on the team and will often get a rebound and go coast to coast. His basketball IQ is advanced for a freshman and he is a smart rebounder for his size. As a freshman, he makes a huge impact on the game. Barrett was Mr. Everything to start off the game, doing it all for Central Catholic as they jumped out to an early lead. If Barrett can continue to develop on his base set of skills, he will be a player to keep an eye out for in the 2020 Class.
Best Intangibles: Jakub Hall (Harrison)
Jakub Hall was not having the best of nights on the offensive end, but he found other ways to impact the game with his presence. Hall was great on the defensive end of the floor, first one on the floor for a loose ball, 2 blocks, 1 steal, and 4 rebounds. His high basketball IQ puts him in the right spot at the right time. Harrison really needed all that they got from Hall on both ends of the floor to pull out the win against Central Catholic. Hall has the knack for the game and is an opportunistic scorer.
Best Rebounder: Benito Munoz (Harrison)
Benito Munoz had the offense going early and it looked like a game where Harrison would be drawing up plays for him all night. Instead, Munoz found himself as the game high rebounder with 9 (5 defensive and 4 offensive). He was aggressive on the glass giving Harrison an extra four possessions in the game and putting a stop to a few Central Catholic possessions. Munoz stands about 5’10” but was not to be denied when he went up for the rebound. He used his athleticism and strong frame to win 50/50 balls.
Best Underclassmen: Carson Barrett (Central Catholic)
Carson Barrett was doing it all to start the game. At the half, 4 points, 5 rebounds (4 defensive and 1 offensive), 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals in 10 minutes of action. He was undoubtedly the biggest difference maker on the floor for Central Catholic in the early going until he ran into some foul trouble. The lanky freshman frustrated Harrison around the rim but also can take his man one-on-one off the dribble on the offensive end of the floor.
Biggest Takeaway: Central Catholic Needs Barrett on the Floor
After watching Central Catholic play this week in the J&C Classic, it is apparent that they are a better team when Carson Barrett, the freshman, is on the floor. His plus/minus must be atop the team’s rankings. His impact on a game can be significant but he is going to have to find ways to stay out of foul trouble. He fouled out in at least two games this week with limited minutes. If Harrison can be the aggressor from the start, they will have a good season this year as well. Both teams have a little maturing to do but it is still early-going.