3rd Annual Wayne Gandy Christmas Tournament: 5 Takeaways
The Wayne Gandy Christmas Tournament is hosted by Haines City High School. Being in its third year, I stopped by to see the eight teams playing. Ridge Community, Avon Park, Strawberry Crest, Lake Wales, Hudson, Sebring, Lake Region, and Haines City provided lots of excitement throughout the day on day 1.
5 Takeaways:
1) Avon Park vs Ridge Community – In the first game, Ridge Controlled the led the entire game and got as high as 17 but Avon Park wouldn’t go away. They battled hard on defense and hit timely shots and continued fighting. The Red Devils got within two points of the Bolts towards the end of the fourth quarter before Ridge went on a run to win the contest 48-40.
2) Lake Wales vs Strawberry Crest – game two was a surprise. Strawberry Crest sat 2 of its starters for disciplinary reasons and Lake Wales took full advantage of them sitting. The Highlanders started the game clicking on all cylinders building a nine to nothing lead. After a brief timeout the Chargers went to a full court trap which slowed the Highlanders for all of thirty seconds. Lake Wales won 65-41.
3) Sebring vs Hudson – game three featured 2 very disciplined teams. Both teams ran sets well, at the end of the first the score was tied at 24. During the second and third it appeared as Sebring may coast to a win leading by as much as 16 in the Fourth. The Cobras had different thoughts as they spread the floor, penetrated and kicked out to wide open shooters. Sebring had ten turnovers in the fourth and it proved costly as they lost by one 89-88.
4) Haines City vs Lake Region – the final game was full of athletes. Defense ruled this contest in the beginning, there was lots of turnovers and defensive stops. As the contest went on and the offense picked up the game became 1 of the most exciting games of the day. Amari Campbell led the Hornets with 24 points as they won 63-61 over the Thunder.
5) 5 Standouts from day 1:
The performance of the day came from freshman point guard, Walter Clayton. He led his team with 24pts. He had 22 at the half, didn’t play much in the second half as his team cruised to a win but this kid can flat out play. He pressured the ball and ran the offense perfectly.
Sebring’s Norris Taylor had himself a great game also. Taylor did a little of it all; rebounded well with 9, had 25 points, 6assist, and 2 steals. He looked smooth as he scored with ease and defended very well.
Avon Park sophomore Eric Brown is a force in the paint. He controlled the glass grabbing 14 rebounds, blocked several shots, and had a game high 14 points.
Freshman point guard Malcom Dewberry of Avon Park was a surprise bright spot. He has a high IQ and just simply makes plays, will be a good guy to watch progress over the next few years.
Mark Calleia was simply amazing to watch. He stepped up when his team needed him most. Although I couldn’t get his stats, he dominated the fourth by driving and finishing at the rim or kicking to a wide-open shooter when cut off.
The 3rd annual Wayne Gandy Christmas Tournament has been a joy to watch. I’m hoping to see more great performances from these guys and some under the radar players step up and stake they claim amongst the top.
Todays matchups are: Strawberry Crest vs Avon Park at 3pm, Sebring vs Lake Region at 4:30pm, Hudson vs Haines City at 6pm, Lake Wales vs Ridge Community at 7:30pm.