5 Takeaways: Jesuit at Tampa Catholic

<p>One of the most anticipated rematches in Tampa Bay and perhaps the whole state for high school basketball is Jesuit against Tampa Catholic.</p> <p>On Friday night in front of a near-soldout crowd at Tampa Catholic, the home side Crusaders used a strong second half to beat Jesuit 61-54.</p> <p>The victory marked the sixth straight win for Tampa Catholic in the series, as the two teams meet twice a season despite being in different state classes. </p> <p>Jesuit led 24-18 at the half and never trailed through the first 16 minutes of play. However, Tampa Catholic trapped the Tigers in the third quarter and beyond, really forcing the issue taking a 43-36 advantage into the final quarter and never looking back.</p> <p><em>Here are five takeaways from the game.</em></p> <h2><strong>Crutchfield is highly skilled</strong></h2> <p>Creating with his high IQ passing, 2020 Tampa Catholic <strong>Marcellus Crutchfield</strong> was the best player on the floor for much of the game in this one. Finishing with 11 points, the 6'0" guard made some elusive moves inside and he was pacing things for the Crusaders in a back and forth matchup with his pure speed. Crutchfield is a natural athlete who is clearly going to play either basketball or football at the next level.</p> <h2><strong>Dansoh has improved </strong></h2> <p>The improvements are clear with<strong> Andrew Dansoh</strong> and I've seen it here lately. He's attacking more regularly and taking chances down low. In this game, the 6'6" forward had 14 points and kept Jesuit hanging around in the second half where many shots weren't falling for the Tigers. Dansoh's inside game is crucial to Jesuit's playoffs success.</p> <h2><strong>Knox can hold his own</strong></h2> <p>There were some really good sequences for <strong>Kobe Knox</strong> in this game. Even with a large Jesuit student body that chanted "Brother's Shadow" repeatedly, the 2020 Tampa Catholic guard and younger brother of NBA rookie Kevin Knox, Kobe managed a game-high 19 points. In the second half, he really came on with his finishes inside and outside jumper. He created on his own and scored a tough bucket before coming back down and hitting a 3 in front of his own bench just seconds later. Knox is the biggest energy piece for this team.</p> <h2><strong>Cooper and Anderson work hard</strong></h2> <p>It was<strong> Jack Cooper</strong> who was pushing, attacking and relentlessly trying to get buckets for Jesuit. It was Cooper, the 2019 6'6" forward who was being the vocal leader prior to this big matchup. He led his Tigers with 15 points and took some good shots but he also left some out there for the making. 2020 6'2" guard Bennett Anderson paced him with 12 points and he was getting into good areas for mid-range pull-ups.</p> <h2><strong>Broome is steady</strong></h2> <p>Grabbing boards, moving guys out of the way and scoring inside, 2020 Tampa Catholic forward <strong>Johni Broome</strong> continues to give the Crusaders strong minutes. The 6'8" big man scored 11 points while fellow 2020 guard <strong>Alijah Harrison</strong> recorded 11 points as well. A 6'4" long guard, Harrison got better as the game went on.</p>