Class 3A Final Four Day 1 Standouts – Backcourt

<p>The best week of the year has started off strong with a 6 game slate for Classes 1A, 2A, 3A. I was able to watch the last 4 games of the day, and they were full of high level play and even higher level talent. Here were the results:</p> <p><em>Bishop McLaughlin</em> v. <em>Andrew Jackson</em>, Class 3A Semifinals, 79-71 Bishop McLaughlin wins</p> <p><em>Miami Country Day School </em>v. <em>Calvary Christian Academy</em>, Class 3A Semifinals, 69-51 Calvary wins</p> <p><em>Central </em>v. <em>Crossroads Academy, </em>Class 1A Semifinals, 85-63 Central wins</p> <p><em>Wildwood </em>v. <em>Madison County</em>, Class 1A Semifinals, 41-62 Wildwood wins</p> <p>Here are the backcourt standouts for 3A, Day 1:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="546182" first="Emanuel" last="Sharp"], Bishop McLaughlin, 6’4", 2022</strong></p> <p>Sharp had the performance of the tournament in his 39 point explosion against a strong Andrew Jackson High School. He was pulling up from NBA Range (and since we’re in Lakeland, we can prove that) and blowing by defenders for tough lays. He has the frame to be a bully guard and the quick trigger to be lethal from anywhere on the floor. He was also able to effectively break the multiple double teams that came his way throughout the contest. All eyes will be on Sharp for the 3A Finals on Friday against Calvary Christian.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709215" first="Marvel" last="Allen"], Calvary Christian, 6’5", 2023</strong></p> <p>Allen is so incredible to me for not only what he does in terms of scoring, but what he can do in the other facets of the game. Every game I’ve watched him play (all of which were against national level talent at the MAIT), he’s been able to tally up several assists and boards in addition to being a deep scoring threat. Allen turned a quiet 5 point outing into an efficient trip by adding 5 assists and 9 rebounds. His mobility and floor vision is incredible, and he has a natural feel for where the ball is at all times. He’s the engine for the Calvary Christian team that will meet Bishop McLaughlin in the state finals on Friday.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709228" first="Carl" last="Cherenfant"], Calvary Christian, 6’5", 2023</strong></p> <p>This is the 2nd or 3rd game where I’ve watched Cherenfant lead his team in scoring while coming off the bench. The electrifying sophomore is lanky and absolutely lethal on the drive. His length and shiftiness make him a threat on offense and defense, but his shooting is where he’s even better. He’s smooth and can get to his spots whenever he wants to. He’ll have to be in his best shape to capture a state championship against a tough Bishop McLaughlin team. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818876" first="Jordan" last="Cooke"], Miami Country Day, 5’10", 2021</strong></p> <p>Cooke is a speedy guard who doesn’t let his size diminish his impact, even when facing a massive frontcourt in [player_tooltip player_id="814895" first="Gregg" last="Glenn"] and [player_tooltip player_id="712107" first="Taylor" last="Hendricks"]. He was super effective for the Spartans and continued his offensive dominance in his final game. He’s got an elite level floater which he can launch from anywhere within the painted area, making him a perfect asset for dealing with slower guards and taller bigs alike. His high school career is over, but he definitely finished on a high note. </p>