All “A” Classic ~ Thursday’s Top Performers, Pt. 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Staff was in attendance for the opening round of the 33rd Annual All A Classic State Tournament hosted at Paul S. McBrayer Arena on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University. All 16 teams played in the opening round on Thursday. We have a collection of the best performances from the first session games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murray - Junior Forward, Zavion Carman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We came away from this game as big fans of Carman. He plays with active hands and passionately on defense. He had the tough task to contain [player_tooltip player_id='1022269' first='Cyr' last='Malonga'] and Carman battled nearly every possession. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evangel Christian - Senior Center, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1022269' first='Cyr' last='Malonga']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Malonga was a force in the middle of the floor from the opening tip. He continues to develop into a well-rounded athlete. Malonga deterred multiple shots around the paint including several clean blocks that led to transition opportunities. One of the best parts of Malonga's basketball profile is his ability to feel the defense and make quick decisions to score or pass. His passing ability is an improved skill that makes their offense dynamite. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evangel Christian - Junior Guard, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1022262' first='Kyran' last='Tilley']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The heavily debated topic of “best backcourt” in the state added another chapter on Thursday. Tilley played an outstanding game that included the intangibles that don't show up in the box score. Yes, his stat line was impressive finishing with 15 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. He is one of the best finishers in the state and his confident, smooth mid-game jump shot makes him an elite scorer.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harlan - Senior Wing, Will Austin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Austin is used to being the beneficiary of playing alongside two high-volume shooters in the McLendon brothers. Austin does a great job of slipping screens, crashing for offensive rebounds, and patience once the ball is in his hands. Throughout the game, Austin seemed to be in the right place at the right time which gave him an abundance of opportunities to affect the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martin County - Senior Forward, Matthew Linville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linville won us over with his steady demeanor and persistence. Throughout the game, Linville was thrust into action either by trying to contain Harlan's feisty guards or by trying to fend off the forwards for rebounds. At the most pivotal moments of the game, Linville came away with a possession-saving rebound and a game-clinching block. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martin County - Junior Guard,<strong> </strong>Dray Duff</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Duff was aggressive throughout the game, specifically making his imprint on defense. Dray was active which led to several deflections, ending the game with officially 4 steals credited to him. Duff finished with 15 total points and 5 assists. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexington Christian Academy - Senior Forward, Tyler Hall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On a team full of guards and wings, Hall is the lone forward who traditionally hangs around the paint area. In a battle with Washington County's disruptive length, Hall used his outside shooting skill to knock down three, 3-point shots in the Eagle's massive 3rd quarter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington County- Junior Forward, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088850' first='Beau' last='Baker']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baker is a force in the paint and really took the game over in the clutch minutes. As the game came slowed down, Baker used his size, low-post skill, and strength to bring his Commanders all the way back. It was his offensive rebound and eventual free throw that clinched the game. Baker finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds - including 9 offensive!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owen County- Senior Wing, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1116655' first='Teagan' last='Moore']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore is a bonafide all-state player that doesn't have many holes in his game. Despite being the top priority on every team's scouting report, he consistently finds ways to get his offensive game going as well as involving his teammates in the action. Thursday's game was another showcase for Moore to prove his undeniable value by willing his team to victory despite a low-scoring contest. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Make sure you are following</strong><a href="https://twitter.com/prephoopsky"><strong> </strong></a><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/prephoopsky" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepHoopsKY</a> on Twitter for weekly top games &amp; top performers!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->