Top Performers: Central Pointe Christian vs. Oldsmar Christian

<p>The defending SIAA champions Central Pointe Christian opened its season up with a visit to Oldsmar Christian on Tuesday evening.</p> <p>Oldsmar Christian gave everything it had and the game had some ebbs and flows but in the end Central Pointe Christian pulled away late in the first half and never looked back winning 72-60.</p> <p>Here is a look at the top performances on the night.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="714780" first="Ramses" last="Melendez"] Ι 6-7 Ι Central Pointe Christian</strong></p> <p>It was a slow start for Melendez, but he picked up the slack as the game went along and in the second half, he was scoring nearly everything that came his way. The 2021 6-7 wing is a sharpshooter who is always looking to dunk in transition and take the smart shot. He finished with a game-best 24 points. Holding a plethora of Division I offers, he’s taking his time with the recruiting process and is as serious as they come as a leader and defending state champion.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="534887" first="Isaiah" last="Howell"] Ι 6-7 Ι Oldsmar Christian</strong></p> <p>Battling against a team that had seven players 6-7 or taller, I applaud Howell for managing 14 points as he was active all game long. He didn’t go down swinging. The 2022 6-7 forward who transferred from South Carolina Georgetown a few months ago is going to be a prospect that will bloom on a consistent basis here soon. Howell showed glimpses in this matchup and his ability to cut to the hoop and finish on feeds was impressive. He’s also a hard-nosed rebounder.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068771" first="Nolan" last="Wells"] Ι 6-7 Ι Central Pointe Christian</strong></p> <p>Alongside Melendez, Wells was giving Oldsmar Christian’s defense fits all game long. He was routinely getting into the corners where he likes to shoot and knocking down 3’s. The 2021 6-7 guard/forward added 15 points and really paced the floor well as a passer and defender. The sky is the limit as he gets comfortable in this scheme. He is a talented player on both ends of the floor.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068745" first="Jakare" last="Carroll-Newton"] Ι 6-5 Ι Oldsmar Christian</strong></p> <p>Carroll-Newton was the best player at times on the Oldsmar Christian side. A 2021 6-5 transfer from Boca Ciega, he is a natural-born athlete who isn’t afraid to drive the basket and attack. He hit a couple of well contested mid-range jumpers that got his team going as well. Finishing with 11 points, Carroll-Newton is going to continue to be counted on for big nights.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068758" first="Kedrick" last="Green"] &amp; Mycol Sanchez Ι Central Pointe Christian</strong></p> <p>The point guard play from Green was flat out impressive. The 2021 5-11 guard is a broad body that is light on his feet and has flashy handles. He recorded 11 points and was at his best when he attacked the basket. As for Sanchez, all eight of his points came in the first half. The 2022 6-5 guard/forward is a talented athlete who is going to be very good as he settles into the rotation there.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="714954" first="Ronnie" last="Johnson"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="1065417" first="Willie" last="Patterson"] Ι Oldsmar Christian</strong></p> <p>The second half was nice to both Johnson and Patterson. Johnson, a 2021 6-2 guard who arrived this summer from Tampa Bay Tech finished with 11 points. He has wide receiver-like speed up and down the court and it makes it tough on defenses. Johnson made key lay-ins on the break down the stretch. As for Patterson, he fought for all 10 of his points against the lengthy Central Pointe Christian defense. He went through contact and held his own offensively.</p>