Class 4A-14 District Champions: University School Sharks

<p>Over in Hallandale Beach, the <strong>University School Sharks</strong> held off the <strong>Stranahan Mighty Dragons</strong> to win the Class 4A-14 district title, 72-62. Up 50-49 with 6:04 to play, the Sharks closed on a 22-13 run to take home the championship. As a team, the Sharks made 24 of 29 free-throws to the Mighty Dragons five-of-ten. Stranahan jumped on the Sharks early, taking a 20-16 lead after the first quarter. The Sharks would rally in the second quarter to a plus-nine advantage to take a five-point lead at halftime. University School, winners of six of their last seven games, will now turn their focus to Lakeland for their third consecutive state championship. </p> <p>Here are the standouts:</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jett-howard/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jett-howard/">Jett Howard</a></a></strong> - <em>University School</em>:  <em>If giving out an MVP for the championship, the 2022 guard would be the clear winner. Howard jumped out of the gate early, scoring ten in the first quarter before finishing with a game-high 33 points. The sophomore sensation did it all for the Sharks, connecting on three first half 3-pointers while knocking down ten free-throws for the game. At 6-foot-6, <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Jett-Howard-46077028/">Howard</a> attacked the rim using his size to get to the line, particularly dominating to his right side.  After scoring a quiet two points in the semifinals, Howard exploded in this one to lead his team to victory.<br /> </em></p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jace-howard/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jace-howard/">Jace Howard</a></a></strong> - <em>Univeristy School: Sporting a fancy pair of University of Michigan sneakers, the 2020 6-foot-7 forward finished with 18 points while going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. The future Wolverine was aggressive attacking the rim and pulled down nine rebounds. With 2020 <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/roger-mcfarlane/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/roger-mcfarlane/">Roger McFarlane</a></a></strong> having an off night with just three points, the Howard twins were a huge factor in University School winning a championship. The older Howard is a smart player who will be a nice addition to his father's squad up in Ann Arbor.<br /> </em></p> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/inady-legiste/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/inady-legiste/">Inady Legiste</a></a></strong> - Stranahan: Overall, I thought the Mighty Dragons played well in the first half against U-School and Legiste was a huge reason. The 2020 6-foot-7 forward was aggressive on defense, swatting away a help side block that landed in the stands in the second quarter. I accounted Legiste for four steals as he was active with his hands when the Sharks turned the ball over in the half court. In addition, the senior put down a pretty pass to <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/daquion-vickers/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/daquion-vickers/">Daquion Vickers</a></a> in the paint for two points in the third quarter. Overall, Legiste finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds before fouling out during the final minutes of the fourth quarter. In my opinion, I don't see Stranahan sticking around for the better half of three quarters without the play of the Mighty Dragons senior. </em></p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/daquion-vickers/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/daquion-vickers/">Daquion Vickers</a></a></strong> - <em>Stranahan</em>: <em>A 2020 guard/forward, Vickers paced the Mighty Dragons with 16 points. During one play, Vickers showed active hands while creating a steal that led to a bucket in transition. Overall, I thought Vickers was aggressive around the rim for Stranahan and found soft spots in the lane to pick up field goal opportunities. Furthermore, the senior showed his toughness after coming up slow on a lay-up in the second half. By all means, it was a championship level effort by Daquion. <br /> </em></p> <p><strong>Mario Bynes</strong> - <em>Stranahan</em>: <em>While he didn't score in double digits, the 2021 shooting guard scored in key moments for the Mighty Dragons and finished with nine points. Of the Dragons four 3-pointers, Bynes would be the catalyst from long range by hitting three of them. Only a junior, Bynes will certainly be a shooting factor in many more games for Stranahan before his career is over. His ability to stretch the floor on the Sharks was an unsung part of the game.  </em></p> <p><em><strong>For any South Florida hoops new or information..please contact Michael Costeines @Steines_23 on instagram or follow him on twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</strong> </em></p>