5 Takeaways: D218 Tip Off Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHI took in a pair of games on opening night at the Tip Off Classic from Shepard.&nbsp; In the first game the host school battled 2A power Perspectives while in the second contest Marist matched up against Andrew.&nbsp; Here are our <strong>5 Takeaways: D218 Tip Off Classic</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Perspectives Looks Like 2A Title Contender Without Several Key Transfers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It took them a few minutes to get into the flow of game action again but then the route was on for Perspectives as they won 78-29 over host Shepard in the opener.&nbsp; Early on it was [player_tooltip player_id='1048318' first='KJ' last='Cobb'] who had it working.&nbsp; Powerful 6'1” shooting guard played well off his defense getting things going the other way for transition points, long outlets, and finished well through contact at the rim.&nbsp; Crisp pull up game netting 15 points.&nbsp; Midwest JUCOs will be all over him!&nbsp; Then it was his little brothers turn as 2024 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1352590' first='Gianni' last='Cobb'] showed why we consider him a legit D1 point guard.&nbsp; Missed some bunnies early, but then broke out in the second half with his speed getting to the rim over and over for scoop shots and slick drives.&nbsp; Also bombed in some threes.&nbsp; Active hands on the defensive end.&nbsp; Finished with 23 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='1541248' first='Tim' last='Handy'] is another 2024 to track on this team.&nbsp; Rangy small forward is solid defender and slasher loving to play above the rim in the open court.&nbsp; He had 8 points.&nbsp; Late in the game [player_tooltip player_id='2323288' first='Isaiah' last='Coleman'] checked in as the 6'6” freshman has some buzz.&nbsp; Wasn't afraid out there and hit a baseline jumper for his only points in the fourth quarter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We also noticed that three of their transfers did not play.&nbsp; Catholic League Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id='1371072' first='Jakeem' last='Cole'] who was at Leo sat out as did the uber bouncy [player_tooltip player_id='1215310' first='Jarrod' last='Gee'].&nbsp; When they are cleared these two will make this team even better.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='1373438' first='Kenric' last='Mosby'] was not there, but as we learned from our friend Aaron Britton who was at Collins tonight he is now at Longwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Name Seniors Emerge in Opener</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a performance by Perspectives 6'5” combo forward JK Woods on Monday.&nbsp; Super bouncy 2023 prospect that swatted shots, threw down an array of nasty dunks, and was so quick to the glass on both ends netting 18 points and 12 boards.&nbsp; He defended well laterally too and even hit a three.&nbsp; For Shepard senior Payton Crims was their top player.&nbsp; The 6'2” Crims is a smooth two guard who displayed some creation off the bounce and a clean looking shooting stroke in a 14 point outing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Vaval's Stock Soaring in 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marist combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='1598743' first='Keshaun' last='Vaval'] had an excellent outing in his debut for Marist in their 51-40 win.&nbsp; The sophomore was electric in the first half scoring 15 of his game high 23 points.&nbsp; Creative ball handler that won off the dribble converting an array of acrobatic layups and and-1s at a high clip.&nbsp; Also shot it well from deep knocking in a pair from distance and made sound decisions as a distributor including several slip and dump off passes inside.&nbsp; Currently checks in at #16 in 2025, but could make a move up the board if he keeps playing like this.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marist Freshman Duo's Debut</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was our first look in a real high school game at Marist's talented freshman class.&nbsp; Their big man Stephen Brown is a bouncy 6'7” four man that has long arms and impacts the game on both ends.&nbsp; Defensively he used his length to swat shots and alter others.&nbsp; Offensively he had a breakaway dunk, put back on the offensive glass, and a sweet euro step on his way to 9 points.&nbsp; Dropped a few passes and had a couple turnovers, but no denying he is one of the most intriguing 2026s in the state.&nbsp; Can't forget about 6'0” point guard Adoni Vassilakis.&nbsp; Scrappy guard was making plays with his tenacity, creative passing, and float game as he notched 4 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andrew Star Has Off Night, Sophomore Steps Up</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2023 combo forward [player_tooltip player_id='1295570' first='Austin' last='Kulig'] had a great summer and an even better fall.&nbsp; Plus positional size, athleticism, and shot making.&nbsp; It just wasn't his night on Monday as we only had him for four points in the loss.&nbsp; The potential D2 prospect will definitely bounce back!&nbsp; The bright spot for Andrew was the play of their sophomore point guard Athan Berchos.&nbsp; At 5'10” the floor general is a crafty playmaker that is a capable shooter from distance and made several scoop shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->