Five Questions: Bellarmine Prep vs. Sumner
With Bellarmine Prep being 6-5 and the Sumner Spartans being 7-4 this game could have went either way. I felt with the leadership of Elzie III that Bellarmine would pull off the win just because they have more weapons offensively. I knew for the most part this game would be close. I think both teams are looking for a spark for this second half of the season. Something they can attach to and help separate themselves for others in there division. With the second half of the season starting up this week. I would like to see both teams defensively take shape and offensively find more chemistry to make a run in the next 10 games. I feel that Sumner has some good intangible type players and hard nosed defenders that can make things happen. They just have to get that, “dog in them”.
MVP: Luke Ross (Sumner Spartans)
Luke was instrumental in getting the offense and defensive anchored for the Spartans. He single handedly gave his team the intensity they needed to take this game. He did a very good job getting to the basket and being a pest on defense. Getting to the rim and moving the ball when he became the focal point for the defense. He finished the game with some key buckets in traffic. I was impressed with his sense of when to take care over, whether it was dishing or scoring.
Offensive MVP: Charles Elzie III (Bellarmine Prep Lions)
Charles was a force on the offense end. He was knocking down shots from beyond the arc and getting into the paint and scoring. He came out with intensity and fight that I felt all the Lions came out with to start the game. I think the difference between Charles and his teammates was that his shot was falling and he was looking to be aggressive right out of the gate. Charles isn’t known to be the main scorer on this team but he does have the intangibles to do so. For the Lions to be successful he will need to continue this onslaught.
Defensive MVP: Mitchell Wolfe (Sumner Spartans)
Wolfe was everywhere on the floor. Defensively he was a hawk on the ball and helped out on the glass. He set the tone on the type of pressure that needed to be applied in order to get some transition buckets. Wolfe is a very good defender. He is long and quick on his feet which can be a nightmare for offensive players because he is usually just as quick and will be play physical and take some hard fouls. The Spartans players had some trouble when he matched up against him because of physicality.
Best Underclassmen: Jaylen Scott (Bellarmine Prep Lions)
Jaylen gave the lions some much needed punch off of the bench. He is still young and learning the system but his time on the floor gives Lions fans a taste of what he can do and will do once the team is in his hands. I expect his growth to be tremendous because he can already handle the ball and shoot from the outside and does possess the killer instinct to stay ready for his opportunity. During the game he made some good decisions with the ball. I look forward to seeing his growth with years to come.
Best Guard: Anthony Christopher (Bellarmine Prep Lions)
Anthony was tremendous when making the right pass and getting his teammates involved. I was impressed with his IQ and understanding of when to break down the press with the dribble and when to break down the press with the pass. Offensively he needs to keep working on his game off the bounce and off the ball catch and shoot. He does have some high upside because of his quickness and IQ. I would like to see him get more aggressive on the defensive end and generate offense from that side for the Lions to take the next step this second half of the season.