Five Takeaways: St. Andrew’s vs Sidwell Friends

<p>Last night I stopped by Sidwell Friends for a crucial matchup in the MAC as they played host to St. Andrew's. St. Andrew's had control of this game from the opening tip to the final horn and won by a score of 41-31. Below are five takeaways I have from the game.</p> <h3><strong>Benny Williams Displays Why He Is Elite</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We already knew this but last night was another great example of why Benny Williams is considered one of the best in the 2021 class not just locally but also nationally. He is an elite rebounder and shot blocker and also displayed some nice post skills. He even showed confidence in his jumper while hitting a three. He tallied 15 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks.</span></p> <h3><strong>Sidwell Needs Ryan Cornish More Involved</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">2021 Ryan Cornish did not start in this game and I am not quite sure why. St. Andrew’s built an early lead and the lead might have been reduced if Cornish was on the court given what he can do on the offensive end, especially his shot making ability. Sidwell was at their best late in the game when Cornish was the focal point on offense.</span></p> <h3><strong>TJ Gasden Is Much Improved</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">TJ Gasden looks like a completely different player right now and colleges have taken notice. The 6’6 forward actually might have gotten a little bigger but it his motor that has improved which has ultimately helped crash the boards harder and do more on both sides of the ball. He was very hard to stop last night in transition and finished nicely around the rim including a couple of finishes above the rim. </span></p> <h3><strong>George Perkins Will Be One To Watch In 2022</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sitting at eight in our initial 2022 rankings, there is a lot of potential in the 6’8 sophomore. There is still improvement needed but I liked the toughness Perkins was bringing going up against Benny Williams. He was battling for rebounds and moved well defensively. One thing he will need to work on is not fouling. He was battling foul trouble all game which hurt Sidwell down low. </span></p> <h3><strong>Colleges In Attendance</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This MAC contest brought two head coaches out including Georgetown’s <strong>Patrick Ewing</strong> and American’s <strong>Mike Brennnan</strong> who was in to see his future point guard in <strong>Colin Smalls</strong>. An assistant from Georgetown made the trip with Patrick Ewing as there was also an assistant from Pittsburgh in.</span></p>