4 Takeaways: Lehigh Senior vs. Community School of Naples

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the final day of the Lehigh Senior High New Year's Shootout there has been absolutely no shortage of excitement. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starting with the third-place game between the homecourt Lightning taking on Community School of Naples, which came down to a final shot at the horn. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are four takeaways from the penultimate game here in Lehigh, Florida. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WHAT A FINISH!&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a neck-and-neck first three quarters, the final eight minutes was much more of the same. Despite Lehigh stretching out to its biggest lead of the game in the final quarter, CSN clawed its way back to take a two-point advantage to take a 66-64 lead in the final seconds. With an opportunity to tie the game, the Lightning's Kionus Walters let out a runner from five-feet out, but fate was not on the sophomore's side..rattling out as time expired. Neither team led by double-digits at any point of the game and proved to be a thriller in the third-place game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":"","_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63af85229a03c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lehigh Defense Really Good, CSN Offense Just a Bit Better</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The intensity Lehigh's defense played with throughout all four quarters was a big reason this game stayed so close. The mix of pressure on the perimeter and communication through all 32 minutes slowed down the CSN offense - forcing over 30 seconds off the clock nearly every possession. However, the Seahawks responded accordingly with constant ball movement and willingness to turn down a good shot for a great one. With the ball moving at all moments, the team was able to get Lehigh out of place and find the holes for easy assists and lay-ups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1463424' first='Jackson' last='McAdams'] is a Bonfide Bucket</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Seahawks senior guard erupted for a game-high 21 points and did so in a variety of ways. The 6-3 senior started off his outburst with an NBA distance three with the Lightning distance giving him enough space to let it fly. A few moments later, McAdams showed off his versatility with a 15-foot jumper off the dribble on transition. So after the Lightning defense started respecting the scoring machine, it was time for McAdams to make his way inside where he found most of his baskets in the second half. A true three-level scorer, defenses can't give the combo guard an inch of room with the ball in his hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lightning Explosive Backcourt&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a game decided by momentum swings, the Lightning guard pair of Walters and Marlis Callahan never seemed to be phased amidst the close loss. Walters, who is just a sophomore, was arguably the best defender on the floor and led the Lehigh offense to a tee. At just a hair under six-foot, Walters lateral movement is as quick as its come, while using his length exceptionally well to disrupt passing lanes and cause chaos defensively. Callis, his backcourt mate, finished with 11 points while also using his quickness to push the tempo more in the second half. Also contributing was the underclassman duo of Justin Gollopp (13) and Max Etienne (6), who knocked down a combined five three-pointers and made some huge shots when the Lightning offense needed it most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->