Game Forum: Riviera Prep @ Westminster Academy

<p>Riviera Prep held off a furious comeback by Westminster Academy to win the 3A regional final 77-64. The Bulldogs took a 61-39 lead after three quarters and led 69-58 with 1:48 remaining. Riviera Prep hit eight 3-pointers in the first half to go up 42-27. The Bulldogs will face Holy Trinity Episcopal in the 3A state semifinals in Lakeland.</p> <p>Standouts:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="814913" first="Esteban" last="Lluberes"] - Riviera Prep</p> <p>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="814913" first="Esteban" last="Lluberes"] finished with a team-high 21 points and hit three 3-pointers for the Bulldogs. Many of his deep shots were from all over the court, including one at the end of the 1st quarter. Overall, he scored on all three levels and used his quick hands to create steals on defense. Lluberes was able to finish off one Westminster Academy turnover with a nifty up and under. The Lynn commit poked a steal from 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="709227" first="Jaylen" last="Carey"] and avoided 2025 [player_tooltip player_id="1301705" first="Alexander" last="Lloyd"] on the other end using his finesse and body control. This was a prime time performance from Riviera Prep’s senior leader.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="709227" first="Jaylen" last="Carey"] - Westminster Academy</p> <p>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="709227" first="Jaylen" last="Carey"] kept Westminster Academy alive with 16 of Westminster Academy’s 27 points in the first half. The 6-foot-8 power forward was efficient around the basket with multiple moves. Carey’s jump hook was working and his spin move in the paint was effective. Furthermore, Carey did a nice job using his body to finish against a big defender in 6-foot-10 [player_tooltip player_id="1062414" first="Edward" last="Nnamoko"]. His muscle is a tough burden for any defender inside five feet. Overall, Carey finished with 22 points and at least 13 rebounds.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1301705" first="Alexander" last="Lloyd"] - Westminster Academy</p> <p>2025 [player_tooltip player_id="1301705" first="Alexander" last="Lloyd"] got off to a slow start with nine points through three quarters. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard then exploded in the fourth quarter with 16 points and three 3-pointers. I thought Lloyd started to find his groove after converting a tough transition layup and-one in the fourth quarter. As I've seen all year, his burst into the lane is incredible and he plays through tough contact. I give Lloyd credit after a tough first 24 minutes with several missed shots and a few turnovers. The Westminster Academy run would not have been possible without him.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1301788" first="Dante" last="Allen"] - Riviera Prep</p> <p>2025 [player_tooltip player_id="1301788" first="Dante" last="Allen"] finished with 14 points and at least four boards. I thought the 6-foot-4 guard did a nice job scoring off turnovers in transition using his ball handle and athleticism. Allen can really move in the open floor and was effective attacking the center of the lane. He also hit a 3-pointer and a mid-range shot. On defense, I was impressed with his movement and ability to guard on the perimeter. Allen has a lot of versatility on both sides of the floor.</p> <p>Enrique Perez - Riviera Prep</p> <p>2022 Enrique Perez hit two 3-pointers early that helped catapult Riviera Prep to its big lead. Overall, the 6-foot guard finished with 12 points and hit clutch free-throws down the stretch. Perez found his spot and played with poise in the victory. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1062414" first="Edward" last="Nnamoko"] - Riviera Prep</p> <p>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1062414" first="Edward" last="Nnamoko"] finished with 11 points and at least seven rebounds and three blocks. I thought the 6-foot-10 center did a pretty good job against a big body in [player_tooltip player_id="709227" first="Jaylen" last="Carey"], especially in the second half. Nnamoko got his hands on a few of Carey's lay-in attempts at the rim. He also converted on a lob or two above the glass using his natural length and burst from his lower frame. Nnamoko holds offers from Longwood, Winthrop, Tulsa, Temple, Old Dominion and Stamford.</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>