Top Performers: McCluer North vs Marquette

<p>The <em><u>2019 Coaches vs Cancer Holiday Tournament</u></em> got underway today from Lafayette High School and Prep Hoops was on hand for all the early action.  The third game of the day featured a match-up between #6 Marquette and #11 McCluer North.  The Stars from McCluer North came out with great defensive intensity and upset on the mind.  They were paced by Marlon Owens and Sylvon Mosley who combined for all 16 of their first quarter points and they eventually carried a 30-24 cushion into halftime over Marquette.  The Stars appeared to take control in the second half and extended their lead into double digits, but Marquette battled back and eventually took a 55-54 lead after a Brendan Harter hoop and harm with under 20 seconds remaining.  However, it was McCluer North standout Sylvon Mosley who drained the game winning three with under two seconds remaining and the Stars stole a 57-55 upset victory.</p> <p>Here are our “Top Performers” from this exciting match-up:</p> <p><em><strong>6'4 Sr Sylvon Mosley (McCluer North)</strong></em></p> <p>Sylvon was sensational in the mini upset win over Marquette.  He is a scoring threat all over the floor and was able to knife his way through the defense for buckets around the rim throughout.  He was tough on the offensive glass and on the defensive end.  "Mr. Clutch", as my twitter tells me he has been coined, lived up to his nickname by drilling the go ahead three pointer with under two seconds remaining to seal the win.  The long, lanky wing finished with a game high 22 points.</p> <p><em><strong>6'2 Jr Brendan Harter (Marquette)</strong></em></p> <p>Speaking of "Mr. Clutch", Brendan was out to steal the name for Marquette. In both the first quarter and before the half, he beat the buzzer with driving lay-ups.  Then, after a tremendous comeback, he capped it off with what at the time was the go ahead hoop and harm to give Marquette their first lead with under 30 seconds remaining.  He came up big time and time again with huge steals that turned into coast to coast finishes.  He finished with 13 for the game.</p> <p><em><strong>5'10 Jr Marlon Owens (McCluer North)</strong></em></p> <p>Speedy Marlon Owens put the team on his back early in the game.  He and Sylvon Mosley combined for all 16 points for the Stars in the first quarter. Sylon proved difficult to keep in front for Marquette defenders and burst his way into the lane where his mid-range pull-up was automatic.  He gets it done outside of the scoring column as well.  He has quick hands and reaction time defensively and came up with a big inbounds steal and lay-up.  He also does a nice job of facilitating and had a smooth over the shoulder dime to a cutter.</p> <p><em><strong>6'6 Sr Josh Merz (McCluer North)</strong></em></p> <p>Big bodied forward that brings an old-school physicality and toughness to the game.  Uses his body to pin defenders deep or can back-down bully his way to the basket.  Showed the ability to finish through contact.  Always puts a body on someone to box out.  Walls up and defends the paint well.  </p> <p><em><strong>6'6 Jr Quentin Hall (McCluer North)</strong></em></p> <p>Quentin was a beast inside for the Stars.  He was collecting rent at the basket and had several emphatic blocks going toe to toe with Marquette forwards defensively followed up by a relentless effort on the offensive glass that extended possessions for his team.  </p>