Five Takeaways: Auburndale at Bartow

<p>Two of the top teams in their respective classes met on Tuesday night.</p> <p>The Auburndale Bloodhounds (13-6) ranked No. 9 in Class 5A clashed with Bartow (19-1), the ninth ranked team in the state and No. 3 team in Class 6A.</p> <p>Homeside Bartow pulled away late to earn the 66-55 victory.</p> <p>Here is a look at the top five takeaways from the evening.</p> <h3><strong>Clayton Jr. saved the best for last</strong></h3> <p>With just five points at the half, 2021 6'3" guard <strong>Walter Clayton Jr. </strong> did it all for Bartow when it mattered the most. He had back to back buckets late in the third quarter to put his side ahead 44-38. Then with 3:23 left in the game, Clayton Jr. stroke it from deep to make it a 10-point game at 62-52. He had 15 second half points, finishing with 20 points overall. With eight points in the fourth quarter alone, Clayton Jr. put the game on ice late and made sure Bartow sealed the victory. A big framed point guard, he has endless pace with the ball in and out of his hands. He is a high-end athlete.</p> <h3><strong>Allen is a crafty kid</strong></h3> <p>Auburndale goes through 2020 5'9" guard <strong>Dorian Allen</strong>. On Tuesday night, it was no different as the senior flashed his offensive game with 21 points, including 18 in the first half alone. Allen was connecting from deep, going to the rack with his versatile lay-ins, floaters and finishes. A superb and shifty ballhandler, he makes defenses pay even at his undersized frame. Allen is the definition of a hooper who isn't afraid of anyone and is always looking to make a play as a scorer or passer.</p> <h3><strong>Simons continues to attack the basket</strong></h3> <p>Effort is something you never have to coach from 2020 6'3" forward <strong>Joshua Simons</strong>. He netted 19 of his game-high 21 points in the first half alone, cleaning up misses, grabbing boards and simply making a living under the basket. Simons is an undersized big man who has a football body with his muscular arms. His IQ is through the roof and he loves to battle inside over and over.</p> <h3>Auburndale's young guards are speedy</h3> <p>The Bloodhounds have a pair of speedy guards that have earned more and more playing time. 2021 5'8" guard <strong>Milton Smith</strong> proved his worth as a pest defensively, stealing passes and flying around the floor. He finished with 11 points to pace Allen and he has the ball on a string. 2023 5'10" guard <strong>Jerrod Johnson</strong> came on with some important finishes in the second half, ending with eight points. His mix of wheels and ability to score around the hoop will go a long way for this squad.</p> <h3><strong>Polk County basketball is no slouch</strong></h3> <p>Two of the top 10 teams in the state (ranked by MaxPreps) reside in Polk County, aka the 863. Santa Fe Catholic is No. 3 behind only Montverde and IMG while Bartow, as mentioned above, is No. 9. George Jenkins (No. 68), Sebring (No. 76), Winter Haven (No. 81), Auburndale (No. 82) and Kathleen (No. 94) round out the Lakeland area representation in the top 100. There are a lot of good athletes but more importantly tough nosed teams in Polk County this season and it is well deserved that it is finally being noticed. It is an underrated area for hoops.</p>