5 Takeaways Camden Catholic-Lenape
The opening weekend of high school basketball is always exciting. Top teams are trying to prove their lofty preseason status, while looking to avoid the upset. That was the case between Camden Catholic-Lenape as the 15th ranked Irish needed overtime…
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Continue ReadingThe opening weekend of high school basketball is always exciting. Top teams are trying to prove their lofty preseason status, while looking to avoid the upset. That was the case between Camden Catholic-Lenape as the 15th ranked Irish needed overtime to win 49-47 over the Indians. Junior guard Lucas Dunn nailed the game-winning three-pointer with two seconds left to win the game. Here are five takeaways from this Olympic Conference clash.
1. Zach Hicks has All-State potential
Hicks got off to a slow start in the game, but he still ended with a game-high 19 points. The 6’7 small forward uses his size advantage to provide separation on his mid-range jump shots. Hicks attacked the basket with a purpose and was a force on the glass as he finished with 11 rebounds. He had a pair of blocks and the game-sealing steal for the Irish. Hicks already has five Division I offers and that number should balloon over the course of his junior season. If he continues putting up stat lines like this, Hicks could easily land on one of the All-State teams as a junior.
2. Derek Simpson is ready for the spotlight
If not for Dunn’s last second heroics, the 6’0 sophomore point guard would be the hero of the game. Simpson hit a tough runner with 10.8 seconds remaining to give Lenape a 47-46 lead. He struggled with his shooting throughout the night, but was clutch for the Indians down the stretch. Simpson ran Lenape’s offense to perfection as he set his teammates up nicely on the offensive end. The Indians may not have pulled off the massive upset, but Simpson proved that he is ready for the big game.
3. Dunn and Colin Merriman are one of the more underrated guard duos in New Jersey
Camden Catholic’s success is very reliant on Hicks’ play, but the Irish need Dunn and Merriman to play well. The former knocked down the game-winning shot, but he also provided five assists and solid on-ball defense. Merriman led the Irish with six assists and also chipped in five points. He missed a pair of one-and-one free throws in overtime, but Merriman delivered the pass for Dunn’s game-winning shot. The junior guard duo is not going to blow anyone with their gaudy scoring stats, but Dunn and Merriman are a solid duo capable of leading Camden Catholic to a deep run in Non-Public A South.
4. Lenape has the weapons to compete in South Jersey Group 4
Simpson may lead the Indians in scoring, but he will have a lot of support from his teammates. Tayvon Gaither provided Lenape with a first half spark as he knocked down a pair of three-pointers. Anthony Cortese chipped in 11 points and five rebounds,while Lehigh football commit Connor Kennedy had six points, six rebounds and four assists. They may not have been able to knock off Camden Catholic, but the Irish are a top-15 team in the state. If Lenape is able to hang on the road with Camden Catholic, the Indians should make a lot of noise in South Jersey Group 4.
5. Leo Oberti provides a solid post presence for the Irish
Hicks has the size at 6’7 to play in the paint, but his skillset is better equipped for the perimeter. Camden Catholic needs a true interior presence to hold down the paint and Oberti looks to be the guy. The junior big man had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, including an important tip-in to end the first half. Oberti moved well without the ball and gobbled up rebounds on the defensive end. He did not block a ton of shots, but he influenced a number of shots around the basket. Oberti proved that he can be a solid big man for Camden Catholic as the Irish look to win their third consecutive Non-Public A South title.