Shades Valley defeats Homewood in 2OT Thriller: 6 Players to Remember

<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 54px;"> <tbody> <tr style="height: 18px;"> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;"> </td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">1Q</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">2Q</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">3Q</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">4Q</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">OT1</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">OT2</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18px;"> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">Shades Valley</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">10</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">20</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">29</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">35</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">42</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">46</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18px;"> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">Homewood</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">8</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">15</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">21</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">35</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">42</td> <td style="width: 14.2857%; height: 18px;">44</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Samuel Howard, Shades Valley: Samuel got it going for the Shades Valley Mounties scoring the first 5 points. He got into some early foul trouble, but made himself available down the stretch. He was a big body at 6'2" and 210 pounds and was very good at using it. He was great at getting the defender on his back allowing him to score or kick out. Down the stretch, he was vocal and crucial in big defensive stops. Isaiah Sims, Shades Valley: Isaiah had a slow start, but he proved to have the clutch gene down the stretch. He was a tall, lanky, left-handed threat and resembled DeAngelo Russell on the Golden State Warriors. He could play inside and outside. He had four threes during the game and could attack the rim. He had active hands on defense, rotating between high and low causing vision problems for the offense. Late in the game, when the intensity was needed, he was the court general for the Mounties, getting his teammates in the right spots. It's often said that "big time players make big time plays". As time expired in the fourth quarter, he let a fall away three from the top of the key fly...nothing but nylon and forcing overtime. With the game tied at 44 in the second overtime, he got the switch off a screen he wanted and attacked strong with his left and putting away the Homewood Patriots for good. He finished with 21 points. Dareon Jones, Shades Valley: Dareon was a good role player for the Mounties and came up with several big shots throughout the game. He had a smooth looking jumper from deep. He could attack hard and finish at the rim, high off the glass and avoiding the shot blockers. On defense, he was picturesque. Often times, you see players get lazy and stand up straight on defense and step instead of slide. He, on the other hand, sat low, was on the balls of his feet, and sliding evenly with the offense. Marcello Nanni, Homewood: Marcello seemed to be all over the court the entire night. He took a huge charge on the very first possession and took another one late in the game. To start the game, he was a little frantic with the defenders picking him up 3/4 court, but he ultimately settled down and found his grove. He had a few strong attacks to the basket against bigger defenders. With 2:30 remaining in regulation, he had a big steal and finished it off with a big "and-1" to bring the Patriots within two. In OT #1, he scored 4 points and kept Homewood alive. Bo Barber, Homewood: Bo seemed to be the glue that held the team together last night. He has quick hands on defense and he too, like Marcello, took two big charges during the game. He cuts well to the basket and cuts intentionally. Often, you'll see a player cut through the lane and be wide open, but he was not looking for the ball. Bo is always a threat. He has a soft floater able to shoot against the big brutes in the lane. He also passes well being able to look away defenders and give his teammates the best open shot. Bo was huge down the stretch. With 1:17 remaining in regulation, he hit a huge wing three to bring them within 1. With 45 seconds to go in the second overtime, he leaped out of bounds to keep the possession alive. It's the hustle points that go unnoticed but are the most pivotal moments in the game. PJ Davis, Homewood: PJ had a rough night. He was great at attacking and drawing fouls, but only went 2-9 from the freethrow line the entire game. What made him great last night was his ability to not give up. Most players would have mentally checked out. PJ continued to attack. He stepped his intensity up and helped his team claw back into the game. His task was to slow down Isaiah Sims. PJ was in his grill and totally locked in on defense. His motor seemed unmatched. He continue to attack all night and was able to create open shots on the perimeter. If he can develop his jumper, he will be extremely tough to defend even on a bad night. Homewood play at Huffman on Friday and Shades Valley will play at Minor next Monday.