Huntsville City Classic Day 2: Grissom vs. Sparkman: 6 Breakout Performances

<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 20%;"> </td> <td style="width: 20%;"><strong>1Q</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%;"><strong>2Q</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%;"><strong>3Q</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%;"><strong>4Q</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 20%;"><strong>Grissom</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%;">11</td> <td style="width: 20%;">25</td> <td style="width: 20%;">42</td> <td style="width: 20%;">54</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 20%;"><strong>Sparkman</strong></td> <td style="width: 20%;">32</td> <td style="width: 20%;">50</td> <td style="width: 20%;">62</td> <td style="width: 20%;">74</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Game Recap: </strong>Sparkman came out en fuego shooting the lights out. From then, Grissom fought and played hard, but there was not much they could do. Sparkman advanced easily to the semifinals.</p> <p><strong>Grissom's Key Players: </strong></p> <p><strong>James Adams (#24): </strong>James led the way for the Tigers of Grissom with 16 points. He shot an efficient 7-10 from the field. As his teammates drove the ball, he really shifted well to the corner and hit two big corner three pointers. That stood out as very intuitive because he was playing where the ball was going, not waiting for the ball to get to him. Whenever he cut to the basket, he cut with a purpose. He did not cut simply to check the box, but he cut looking to receive the ball and looking to score. </p> <p><strong>Tyler Joseph-Byrd (#21):</strong> Tyler shined today because he did not do anything special. He simply did what he was supposed to and what he did, he did well. He always found the low block and made himself to rebound or receive an entry pass. He finished 4-5 from the field for 8 points and 5 rebounds, but really needs to develop his left hand to increase his stock. </p> <p><strong>Jake Thorington (#2): </strong>Every team needs a Jake Thorington on their team. He was not spectacular at all, but he was scrappy. He set good screens. He kept possessions alive by tipping the ball to his teammates for the offensive rebounds. He never gave up easy buckets, even if that meant sacrificing a foul. He took hard charges, but often times tried a little too hard and spent too much time on the floor. He finished with 4 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. </p> <p><strong>Sparkman's Key Players:</strong></p> <p><strong>Trevon Ragland (#1): </strong>Trevon came out on a tear. He had the whole gym and all the momentum on his side. In the first quarter, he went 4-5 from beyond the arc and 14 points. He would cool off with only 15 total points, but it was enough to get the Senators rolling. </p> <p><strong>Nick Sawyer (#2):</strong> Nick was a crucial presence on defense. His head was always on a swivel following the ball. He got up on the balls of his feet and made it difficult for Grissom to get in a rhythm anywhere. He went 2-2 from three and finished with 8 points and 4 assists. </p> <p><strong>Jacobi Godwin (#21):</strong> Jacobi, like Trevon, was hot in the first half. He loved the corner three pointer and had four first half threes. He had an unconventional set shot and did not get much lift under his shot. This will work against a weaker Grissom team, but with better defenders and tired legs, his shot is more susceptible to miss. He hustled well, particularly in transition, not giving any easy baskets. He finished 6-13 for 17 points and 5 rebounds. </p> <p>Sparkman will advance to play Bob Jones in the semifinals. </p>