Top Performers: Schoolhouse Prep @ Chaminade-Madonna

<p>In an absolute thriller, the <strong>Schoolhouse Prep Wolfpack</strong> stormed back from a 27-point halftime deficit to defeat the <strong>Chaminade-Madonna Lions </strong>87-84 in overtime. This game can be broken down into two halves, with the Lions dominating the first. Chaminade-Madonna started off on a 10-0 run and built a 20-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Lions exploded in the second quarter, scoring 27 points in route to the 27-point lead. Whatever coach <strong>Colin Campbell</strong> said at halftime must have worked as the Wolfpack scored 32 points in the third quarter to cut the deficit to seven points. In the final eight minutes, the Wolfpack outscored the Lions 22-15. Defensively, the Wolfpack picked up the half-court pressure and forced the Lions into a few careless turnovers.e It also appeared the Lions were a little fatigued from Schoolhouse Prep's defensive intensity. Late in the fourth quarter, senior <strong>Cedrick Saint Jean</strong> hit a game-tying 3-pointer from the wing with less than 25 seconds left. With the score tied at 74, senior Andre Weir had a few cracks around the rim to send the home crowd happy, but to no avail.</p> <p>In overtime, (2020) guard <strong>Danny Neumann </strong>banged home one of his two 3-pointers in the extra session to give the Lions the early advantage. Later in overtime, (2020) guard Joaquin Maza was fouled on a 3-point shot and proceeded to knock down three clutch free throws. With 1.7 seconds remaining and the Wolfpack up three, senior <strong>Johnny O'Neil</strong> shot a turnaround three from the right corner that clanked off the rim to complete the Wolfpack's dramatic comeback. </p> <p><em>Lets look at some top performers in this one</em>:</p> <p>1) <strong>Jimel Cofer Jr.</strong> - Schoolhouse Prep: Without any question, Cofer Jr. was the best and most valuable player on the floor. If not for Cofer Jr., the Lions lead could have been up much bigger early on. The (2021) guard scored a majority of the teams points in the first half along with his brother, guard <strong>Jayven Cofer</strong> (2023) who finished with 13. In fact, the first player to score other than the Cofer brothers came with 2:45 left in the second quarter. Cofer Jr. finished with game high 27 points according to the Schoolhouse Prep book (29 in the Lions) and scored in a variety of ways. The junior hit baskets driving in the lane, squaring up for jumpers and added a 3-pointer. Without Cofer Jr. the Schoolhouse Prep comeback would not be possible. I was impressed with his athleticism throughout the entire game and his body control around the rim on layup opportunities. The junior has offers from schools such as Baylor, Texas Tech, Texas A&amp;M, Oklahoma State, Wichita State and more.</p> <p>2) <strong>Danny Neumann</strong> - Chaminade-Madonna: Lost in the disappointing defeat will be the play of the senior guard. Neumann connected on five 3-pointers, two of which were hit in overtime to finish with 18 points. Neumann, who hit a majority of his deep balls from the corner, has great elevation off his shot and a natural stroke. Coach <strong>Andre</strong> <strong>Torres</strong> called Neumann "the best shooter" on the team in my player preview and it certainly showed.</p> <p>3) <strong>Cedrick St. Jean/Joaquin Maza</strong> - Schoolhouse Prep: As stated above, both St. Jean and Maza were clutch down the stretch for Schoolhouse Prep. St. Jean finished in double figures and arguably hit the biggest shot of the night to send the game to overtime. Maza finished with 9 points, hitting a pair of 3-pointers as well as the clutch free throws in overtime. Simply put, both players stepped up late in the game to complete the comeback.</p> <p>4) <strong>Justin Allen</strong> - Chaminade-Madonna: If I had to give a defensive game ball, I would give it to the (2020) guard. Allen showed active hands early on, picking off a pass around half-court for a bucket on the other end. In total, I counted five turnovers induced by the senior including a charge. On the offensive end, Allen finished with 19 points, 14 of which came in the first half. The senior is a big, physical guard who looked strong on offensive drives in the lane.</p> <p>5) <strong>Andre Weir</strong> - Chaminade-Madonna: A Northeastern commit, Weir is a load to handle in the center of the paint. The (2020) senior forward clocks in at six-foot-nine and 230 pounds, making him difficult to stop if he gets the ball down low. In this one, Weir finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds. The forward also hit a pair of clutch free throws in the fourth quarter after struggling from the line early. If Weir could become more consistent at the line he will be no match for virtually anyone he faces because he will either make a high percentage bucket or get fouled in the process.</p> <p><strong><em>For South Florida Prep Hoops news or information, please contact Michael Costeines on Instagram @Steins_23 or follow him on twitter @Mungertown_Mike23</em></strong></p>