Big 8 Matchup: Stranahan vs. Pembroke Pines Charter

<p>I headed over to Fort Lauderdale High School for the Big 8 semifinal between Stranahan and Pembroke Pines Charter. The Jaguars came away with a 56-45 victory and advanced to Saturday’s final. Pembroke Pines Charter moves to 19-3 while Stranahan fell to 20-3 overall.</p> <p>Standouts:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="829389" first="Elijah" last="Wyche"] - Pembroke Pines Charter</p> <p>I thought 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="829389" first="Elijah" last="Wyche"] had the most complete game on the floor. The 6-foot-6 wing had 14 points and at least ten rebounds while adding a pair of blocks. Wyche did a great job scoring around the rim while using his vertical for countless boards. Moreover, Wyche showed off his leap during a pair of rejections. Overall, his length and athleticism was evident on both ends of the floor. He came into the game averaging 11 points per game.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1065434" first="Caelum" last="Ethridge"] - Pembroke Pines Charter</p> <p>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1065434" first="Caelum" last="Ethridge"] finished with a game-high 16 points and hit a pair of 3-pointers. The 6-foot-6 guard also added at least six boards. I thought Ethridge did a great job scoring off run outs and finishing in transition. This is on top of his shooting extension from deep. Ethridge’s length and quick feet also looked good on defense. He is able to move and guard smaller players on the perimeter. <span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Overall, it was a solid performance from him. He came into the contest averaging 13.1 points per game. Ethridge is committed to Catawba. </span></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="963313" first="Hykeem" last="Williams"] - Stranahan</p> <p>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="963313" first="Hykeem" last="Williams"] finished with a team-high 15 points for Stranahan. The 6-foot-4 forward plays with a ton of power right around the rim. Williams’ lower body strength gets him above the cylinder fast. I thought his footwork was fantastic, especially during one bucket when he slid around a Pembroke Pines Charter defender for a basket underneath. Williams’ football body and size is a huge plus around the paint. He also knocked down a long 2-pointer from the top of the key (I thought it was a three at first).</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="829396" first="Geoffrey" last="Sprouse"] - Pembroke Pines Charter</p> <p>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="829396" first="Geoffrey" last="Sprouse"] finished with 14 points for the Jaguars. The 6-foot-1 guard hit some clutch free-throws down the stretch when Stranahan was in striking distance in the fourth quarter. Sprouse has solid quickness and can get into the lane for baskets. 2022 St John’s commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="955774" first="Kolby" last="King"]</strong> finished with nine points and at least six rebounds. It just goes to show how good Pembroke Pines Charter is when your leading scorer finishes fourth on the night.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="829402" first="Houston" last="Culpepper"] - Stranahan</p> <p>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="829402" first="Houston" last="Culpepper"] finished with five points and at least eight boards. I thought the 6-foot-4 prospect did a nice job using his body around the lane. At 225 pounds, Culpepper can create space and score in this area. He made a really nice basket off a spin move against [player_tooltip player_id="829389" first="Elijah" last="Wyche"]. On the glass, Culpepper’s able to rebound at a high rate with his frame. I also thought he threw some nice passes off dribble penetration to open teammates on the perimeter. Culpepper offers various playmaking ability on the floor.</p> <p>Khalani Bush - Stranahan</p> <p>2022 Khlani Bush finished with nine points and a 3-pointer. The 6-foot shooting guard has some quickness to drive into the lane. Per information, Bush’s scoring output tonight was a season-high. 2022 Tamarrien Thorpe (5 points) hit Stranahan’s other 3-pointer.</p> <p>For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>