5 Takeaways: Clearwater Academy International vs. Oldsmar Christian

Jake Perper

February 22, 2019 @ 08:32 PM

<p>On Friday night, Oldsmar Christian honored four seniors (Braxton Bartlett, Jelal Williams, Shawn Esajas and Francis Estrella).</p> <p>The host Eagles led at halftime 31-27 over Clearwater Academy International. However, CAI came away with the 61-57 victory as they simply did more in the second half.</p> <p>Here is a look at five takeaways from the evening.</p> <h2><strong>Wicks has upside potential</strong></h2> <p>This was my first glimpse of 2020 6'6" guard <strong>Skylar Wicks</strong>. He was awfully quiet in the opening half with just three points with one field goal. He attacked endlessly and set the tone with 11 second half points to finish with a team-high 14 points. Wicks was double teamed for the majority of the game and he still did damage. Although his jumper wasn't on for much of the night, he was really tough to slow down inside.</p> <h2><strong>Bartlett is a leader</strong></h2> <p>In the first half, 2019 guard <strong>Braxton Bartlett</strong> was locked in and nearly unstoppable. The 6'5" Lynn signee had 16 points with four 3's in the first half alone. He finished with a game-best 21 points and was the clear alpha for Oldsmar Christian. A trio of his 3's just rimmed out in the second half and kept fighting. The defensive play from Bartlett is always with focus and he isn't afraid to drive offensively against any opposing player.</p> <h2><strong>Jenkins can play</strong></h2> <p>I like the way 2020 forward <strong>Mykal Jenkins</strong> holds himself. Still raw, the 6'8" athlete has a nice looking jumper with an arc on it and he's able to attack with his long arms often. Jenkins has enough speed and can make defenses pay that fall asleep. He's also a very solid rebounder. Jenkins paced Wicks with 13 points for CAI. 2020 6'8" guard/forward Luka Erdtmann flashed with 14 points.</p> <h2><strong>The defense from Williams is real</strong></h2> <p>Coming down from Georgia this season, 2019 6'8" forward <strong>Jelal Williams</strong> has been rock solid for Oldsmar Christian. He is lengthy and uses every inch of his frame to block shots and create inside. Williams plays with endless passion. He scored 10 points and had six blocks in this game. He needs to gain weight in college, but right now he projects as a true athlete at the next level who can hold his own on both ends of the floor.</p> <h2><strong>What is next for these two teams?</strong></h2> <p>-The upstart Clearwater Academy International end its season after spending it in the freelance league.</p> <p>-As for Oldsmar Christian, the Eagles will head to Central Pointe Christian in the first round of the SIAA playoffs on Tuesday. A win places them in the Final Four in the state tournament at DME.</p>