Rumble on the River Standouts – Day 1
The first day of the tournament at Madison Prep (aka The Rumble on the River) was eventful to say the least. The sixteen school field had a number of strong teams from the top to the bottom of the bracket.…
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Continue ReadingThe first day of the tournament at Madison Prep (aka The Rumble on the River) was eventful to say the least. The sixteen school field had a number of strong teams from the top to the bottom of the bracket. A number a players showed that they are high caliber performers on the prep scene. I will review some of the headliners from the day that was.
Brandon Harton, Jr. / 6’4″ / 2021 / Jehovah-Jireh
In the opening game of the day, the Warriors of Jehovah-Jireh defeated Crowley by four. During the victory, Harton displayed flashes of why he was named Most Outstanding Player during their state championship last season. On the defensive end, Harton was the anchor in the lane and blocked a couple of key shots when the game was tight. Offensively, he was consistent in each quarter. His drives and assists from the high post were keys to getting to the foul line or producing Warrior baskets. When the game needed closing, Harton stepped to the line and sealed the game. His 21 points were scored in a variety of ways and showed the versatility in his game.
Jalen Cook / 6’0″ / 2020 / Walker
Walker pulled out and overtime win against McMain on Thursday evening and needed every point Cook could muster. His 45 point night was scored in his usual way with drives, floaters, and three pointers. However, it was the emotion that Cook showed during the game that was most important. When his team gave up the lead, he did not panic. Cook still made the proper basketball plays. He passed to streaking players and showed trust in his teammates. Now, when the game was in the balance, Cook stepped up and made the plays that needed to be made offensively. However, his show of leadership and trust during the game is what stood out most. That, and his 45 points, were the reasons Cook was a standout player.
John-Paul Ricks / 6’0″ / 2022 / Jehovah-Jireh
Much in the same vein as Jalen Cook, John-Paul Ricks showed the point guard skills that make him a true leader as well as a standout player. Ricks scoring, especially in the 3rd quarter, was what helped hold off Crowley. It was not just the fact that he scored, it was when he scored. Early, when Crowley had gone on a mini-run, Ricks backed the guard down for a close range shot. He got another bucket and helped the Warriors stem the tide. Later, he scored on drives and a three pointer which gave them the lead in the second half. If that was not enough, he took on the challenge of defending the player below on this list. All of these traits showed his true leadership and were major reasons why he was a standout player.
Marquise Thorne / 6’4″ / 2020 / Crowley
While forward Braeden Board was held to seven points, it was the play of Thorne who gave Crowley their chance to win during their first round matchup. All game long, Thorne was scoring at the basket with layups and dunks from cuts he made from the wings or baseline. He had a couple of dunks that changed the momentum in Crowley’s favor. Thorne seems to be at his best when he attacks the rim. He is quick off the ground and knows how to finish at the glass. On defense he is athletic and quick. He makes it hard for offensive players to score. His height and athleticism also let him guard anyone position on the floor. His 16 points almost led Crowley to a signature early season win. For the Gents to be successful, Thorne will be a key going forward.
Daniel Ortiz / 6’0″ / 2021 / Southwood
Ortiz helped Southwood to a first round win against Port Allen in the Rumble on the River. Like any other gifted scorer, sometimes it is not how much you score, but when. Ortiz did plenty of heavy lifting early and late for the Cowboys. His three point shooting early helped the Cowboys stay within striking distance. Then, when his teammates made buckets to get them closer, Ortiz made a four-point play to create a one point deficit. Ortiz also had key steals and free throws during the overtime session to seal the victory. His standout effort was when the team needed him most. He was not afraid to take the big shots or make the right passes. That is why he was a standout during first round play.
Eric McKnight / 6’4″ / 2021 / Southwood
Southwood scored 36 points in the 4th quarter and overtime to beat Port Allen. In those two stanzas, McKnight came up big for his team. He played excellent defense on Tawasky Johnson and other Port Allen wings. His length and athleticism caused deflects and steals that helped the Cowboys get in transition. His layups in overtime gave the Cowboys the lead and his two free throws sealed the win. McKnight was clutch during the fourth quarter and overtime because he appeared to trust his talent. He played basketball instead of thinking on the court. This allowed him to be an asset on the floor. If he embraces and trusts his talent more while incorporating the principles he is taught, stellar play will happen during the course of the whole game. McKnight might truly have more standout performances like the Port Allen game.
Day two should produce more standout play from the Rumble on the River. Play begins at 4 pm in both the main draw and consolation draw.