Pleasantville-St. Augustine: Top 5 Takeaways
The Cape-Atlantic League showdown between Pleasantville and St. Augustine featured two of the better junior forwards in South Jersey. Pleasantville’s Elijah Jones already has four 25-point games this season, while Matt Delaney has been a consistent interior force in 2019-20. The Hermits had little…
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Continue ReadingThe Cape-Atlantic League showdown between Pleasantville and St. Augustine featured two of the better junior forwards in South Jersey. Pleasantville’s Elijah Jones already has four 25-point games this season, while Matt Delaney has been a consistent interior force in 2019-20. The Hermits had little trouble taking care of the Greyhounds as they cruised to a 75-54 victory. The win improves St. Augustine’s record to 8-2, while Pleasantville drops to 6-5. Here are the top 5 takeaways from Pleasantvile-St. Augustine.
1. Delaney is ready to lead St. Augustine in Non-Public A South
The 6’4 junior forward had his work cut out for him, but he controlled his match-up with Jones. Delaney attacked the basket strong and was able to finish shots through traffic. He showcased his nifty passing ability as the Hermits’ offense ran through him during portions of the game. Delaney moved his feet well on the defensive end, limiting Jones to only five points on the night. His 17 points and nine rebounds are a sign that Delaney is in a good position to lead St. Augustine deep into Non-Public A South this season.
2. John Horner and Elmarko Jackson compliment Delaney perfectly
Delaney is able to impact the game as much as he does because of his solid supporting cast. Horner is a marksman from behind the arc as he buried three triple in the game. The 6’6 junior moves well without the ball and is a good rebounder on both ends of the floor.
Jackson is an explosive guard who loves to push the ball in transition. The 6’2 sophomore is extremely unselfish and finished with a team-high five assists against Pleasantville. Jackson and Horner’s different skillsets pair perfectly with Delaney’s game, making St. Augustine a very dangerous team.
3. Narquise McLoughlin can be the complimentary scorer Pleasantville needs
Jones has been huge for Pleasantville this season, but he struggled to find an offensive rhythm against St. Augustine. McLoughlin stepped up with a game-high 18 points and a pair of steals. The senior guard finished strong around the basket, knocked down shots from behind the arc and was hunting his shot all game. McLoughlin had 12 combined points in his last two games, so his offensive outburst against St. Augustine is an encouraging sign. He is a capable shooter and solid driver, who can provide Pleasantville with a solid secondary scoring option.
4. St. Augustine is one of the deepest teams in Non-Public A South
Teams need depth to sustain a deep postseason run, which the Hermits have. Senior Nick Leo came off the bench to score 10 points, while also drawing a pair of charges. Kevin Foreman is a solid ball-handler, who complements Jackson’s game nicely. Junior Xavier Ernest was aggressive in his minutes late in the game with five points. The Hermits have enough players to play in the Non-Public A South final.
5. Alejandro Rosado is an underrated guard in South Jersey
McLoughlin was not the only senior guard who had a big game for Pleasantville as Rosado finished with 16 points. He was aggressive all game long as the senior guard was always attacking the basket. Rosado was able to finish around the rim and gave St. Augustine problems on the glass. The senior guard is starting to pick up his scoring, which will be key for Pleasantville as the season moves on.