Trinity Christian vs. Northwood Temple : Prep Hoops 5 Best
Trinity Christian and Northwood Temple met up to do battle on Tuesday night at Northwood Temple, both teams compete in the NCISAA 1A division so the game not only had local bragging right implications but the result could also possibly…
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Continue ReadingTrinity Christian and Northwood Temple met up to do battle on Tuesday night at Northwood Temple, both teams compete in the NCISAA 1A division so the game not only had local bragging right implications but the result could also possibly affect state tournament seeding in the future. The game started off with Northwood making the first run and taking the lead at the end of the first quarter, Trinity however would bounce back in the second quarter and take a four point lead into halftime. In the second half Trinity added to their lead and although Northwood would make their runs, Trinity would prevail, defeating Northwood Temple 69-55.
Player of the Game/Best Shooter: There is no doubt in my mind that this one ended in a tie between Northwood Temple Senior Guard Michael Hueitt Jr. and Trinity Christian 2019 Guard Josh Nickelberry. In the 1st quarter Michael Hueitt Jr came out hot, getting to the cup on his first two buckets while catching fire from the perimeter following that. He’s well know for his ability to shoot the trey ball but what was more impressive was how well he attacked the paint and didn’t settle initially just for the trey ball. It seems as if this young man’s game is contining to mature and grow and it will be interesting to see how he finishes up his Senior season before heading to ODU, Hueitt finished with 24 Points on the night.
Player of the Game/Best Shooter : In the 2nd Quarter Trinity’s Josh Nickelberry took over and showed many in attendance why he will be recognized as a Top 2019 Player in the country before much longer. He knocked down shots from three point land at a high rate as well as finishing through contact when attacking the basket. The thing that you have to love about Nickelberry is that regardless of the situation it seems as if he doesn’t panic, he also has that ‘‘ short term shooting memory’’ that you love for a shooting guard to have. He doesn’t dwell on a missed shot but moves on to the next play, defensively he is improving as well, giving more effort and staying honest without reaching, Nickelberry finished with 22 Points on the night.
Best Bigs: Trinity Christian 2019 Forward Greg Gantt turned heads during the State Championship game last season, coming up big for his squad with his scoring and rebounding the ball. On this night in particular he showed some more of that ability, making plays throughout the night from the high post as well as battling inside throughout. He has a nice skill set and can play the stretch forward spot or even be a Point Forward in some systems, Grambling State and Hampton University have already offered so far and that list will continue to grow without a doubt. Northwood Temple 2018 Center Manny Bates should not be overlooked either, although he didn’t have much of a night offensively, he played well on defense with blocks and rebounds. Bates is still a work in progress but his impact on the game defensively is obvious, he has a slender frame but plays with toughness.
Hustle Award: Trinity Christian 2019 Forward Joey Baker-There is something to be said for a player that is considered a Top 25 player in the country in his class but doesn’t mind still doing the dirty work. With teammate Josh Nickelberry scoring the ball well, Baker battled for rebounds, dove on the floor for loose ball and provided some energy for the young Trinity squad, Baker finished with 13 Point on the night.
Best Defender: Trinity Christian 2019 Guard Talton Jones- Jones may not have had a huge night offensively but on the defensive end he was outstanding when called upon, he understands how to defend without fouling and using his long wingspan to come up with steals and deflections. Jones was one of the players that defended Northwood Temple’s leading scorer and I must say he did an outstanding job by making things as difficult as possible for the opponent.