5 Key Questions After Middlesex vs. St. Thomas Aquinas

<p><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Photo by St. Thomas Aquinas</span></em></p> <p>St. Thomas Aquinas looked to defend home court in the GMC and that is exactly what they did against Middlesex. The Trojans outscored Middlesex by three in each of the first three quarters. With a nine point lead heading into the fourth, St. Thomas Aquinas was able to extend. They outscored Middlesex 17-9 in the final eight minutes to pick up a 68-5 victory. Here are five key questions after watching the game.</p> <p><strong>How do you stop <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/quadry-adams/">Quadry Adams</a>?</strong></p> <p>This is a question that opposing defenses have been trying to figure out all season long. The Wake Forest commit finished with 21 points in this win and did not knock down a three-pointer. That is not a negative on Adams. He is a capable shooter. If anything, it is a testament to his game because he can put up points in bunches without the three-point line. Adams is one of the best ball handlers in the state. He pairs quickness with elusiveness and it an impossible cover out on the perimeter. The only way to slow him down is to really lock in on defense and consider sending a second defender his way.</p> <p><strong>What is St. Thomas Aquinas' ceiling?</strong></p> <p>The Trojans have two Division I commits on their roster in Adams and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/derrick-grant/">Derrick Grant</a>. Last season, St. Thomas Aquinas took a huge step in the conference and state. Heading into this season, St. Thomas Aquinas was a top 20 team with high hopes. They have fallen out of the ranks but they are still one of the favorites to win the GMCT. They are a team that can knock St. Joe's Metuchen off their pedestal in the conference and compete for a state title.</p> <p><strong>What is Middlesex missing?</strong></p> <p>Middlesex is not a big team. That is their major fault. The two leading scorers against St. Thomas Aquinas were Mark Brower and Tyrus Chippendale. Brower led the way with 20 points and stands at 5'8. He is an elite ball handler who can get to the rim or step out and shoot. Chippendale finished with 12 points at the guard position. Middlesex has strong guard play but they get beat on the inside and on the boards. This will be a downfall come tournament time.</p> <p><strong>Is there a better backcourt than Adams and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaquan-harris/">Jaquan Harris</a>?</strong></p> <p>What Adams can do speaks for itself and it is why he will be playing in the ACC next season. Joining him in the Trojans' backcourt is the sophomore sensation <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaquan-harris/">Jaquan Harris</a>. The 6'4 guard has scored in double figures in 19 of 21 games this season. He has three 20 point games along with two double-digit assist games. In the GMC, the only backcourt that can compare is St. Joe's Metuchen. The Falcons feature K-Shawn Schulters and Tyree Ford but they might even come up short in comparison to the Trojans. They are fast, under control, and extremely talented.</p> <p><strong>What level prospect is Harris?</strong></p> <p>The question that comes into your mind immediately when watching the Trojans is, how old is Harris? When you find out that he is only a sophomore, college comes into mind. Harris is a highly sought after recruit already. He has offers from Rutgers, Seton Hall, and Auburn. Down the line, that list will multiply by a lot. Harris has the size and athleticism to be a successful Division I point guard. Teams that are not on notice will be very soon. He is one of the top sophomores in New Jersey and will be one of the top players by the time he is a senior.</p>