5 Takeaways: Downey Christian vs. Superior Collegiate (SIAA Playoff)

<p>The SIAA Playoffs started on Saturday afternoon at Superior Collegiate.</p> <p>The Legion played host to Downey Christian in a Play-In Game. Superior Collegiate pulled away late to win 102-97 and advance to Tuesday's first round SIAA game at The Rock.</p> <p>Here are five takeaways from the game.</p> <h2><strong>Velez is clutch</strong></h2> <p>As the game went on, so did the confidence for 2020 Superior Collegiate guard <strong>Jouldan Velez</strong>. The smaller framed and fast guard is a pass-first player and high IQ passer at that. Without Velez's 19 point performance, the Legion wouldn't have advanced into bracketed play next week. He had all of his points in the second half alone including a pair of 3's and four ever so important free throws late.</p> <h2><strong>Newman battled</strong></h2> <p>Ending up with 37 points, 2020 Downey Christian guard <strong>Julian Newman</strong> always draws attention from fans and video companies for his ballhandling and long range shooting ability. He was vocal as usual and had some very quick trigger 3's in both halves. Newman did his best to score with 2021 guard Emmanuel Maldonado not with the team on Saturday.</p> <h2><strong>Shaheed and Ilumoka slashed</strong></h2> <p>The 2020 duo of <strong>Khalil Shaheed</strong> (19 points) and <strong>Godwin Ilumoka</strong> (16 points) made their presence felt. The two speedsters who transferred from Georgia and Canada respectively get out in transition often and have success there. Shaheed can attack often while IIumoka is more of a finesse player and a jumper with his dunking ability. Defense and shot selection certainly will be counted upon against The Rock on Tuesday.  </p> <h2><strong>Peralta has plenty of strength</strong></h2> <p>Always a brute in the paint, 2019 Downey Christian forward<strong> Eduardo Peralta</strong> paced Newman with 25 points of his own. He had 14 second half points and was nearly unstoppable with his size and strength against the Superior Collegiate. Peralta can certainly hold his own as a mid-range shooter and a driver. His man-to-man defense is also reliable. Peralta should land somewhere at the next level.</p> <h2><strong>Hardy and Lee get it done</strong></h2> <p>Combining for 26 points in this game for Superior Collegiate, 2019 Eastern Florida commit <strong>Robert Hardy</strong> had 14 points with a trio of 3's while 2020 guard <strong>Eric Lee</strong> flashed with 12 points. Hardy has some very bright moments and made some big shots down the stretch. Lee plays rock solid defense and had some nice takes to the rim. Both players will have to contribute at a high level in the first round game against The Rock.</p>