Central Florida Christian vs Victory Christian: Top Standouts
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The Victory Christian Academy Storm won an intense regional semifinal matchup against Central Florida Chrisitan Academy 74-72 with a go-ahead bucket from VCA guard Mike Andino Mike Andino 6'0" | PG Victory Christian Academy | 2024 State FL as time…
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Continue ReadingThe Victory Christian Academy Storm won an intense regional semifinal matchup against Central Florida Chrisitan Academy 74-72 with a go-ahead bucket from VCA guard Mike Andino Mike Andino 6'0" | PG Victory Christian Academy | 2024 State FL as time expired. A roaring home crowd powered on Victory Christian, but it was Andino who carried the Storm to victory after junior phenom LJ Cason was sat down when fouling out early in the fourth quarter. Prep Hoops scout Andrew Johnson was in the building to provide readers with the top standouts from Tuesday night’s regional contest.
Andino ended as the hero for Victory Christian after draining big-time shot after big-time shot when junior point guard LJ Cason went down with five fouls. He finished the matchup with 24 total points, and 5 rebounds. Andino mixed in the mid-range game, with tough three ball shots but also forced fouls when driving to the basket. He has sneaky good ball handling skills with decent burst to get to the basket. He was my Player of the Game because of how he put the team on his shoulders in the second half and hit the game winning shot as time expired. Before that, he hit two free throws to tie the game at 72-72. Andino has continued to develop throughout the season and will be a focal point for opposing defenses.
Eduardo Placer Eduardo Placer 6’1″ | CG Windermere Prep | 2023 State FL finished with 26 total points in his final high school basketball game. It was my first-time putting eyes on the rising prospect, and he certainly impressed with a smooth left-handed jump shot and physical strength at the rim. He simply gave all he could to try and will his team to victory. Placer isn’t just a good three-point shooter, he’s a do-it-all type player. He finished multiple and-ones late in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Storm.
Lanier started the second quarter off with a three and hit two more to follow before the end buzzer. He has been an important part of Victory Christian’s success this season because of his versatility as a player. He finished Tuesday night’s matchup with 15 points and 7 rebounds. His long frame and arms can be used on both sides of the ball. Lanier can also shoot the rock consistently but it’s the sneaky athleticism that catches teams off guard, usually by the time he’s in the air its apparent that he can high fly.
Highlights
Andrej Milutinovic
Andrej Milutinovic
Milutinovic has been instrumental to VCA this season, being that he plays out of position as a smaller framed center but makes the most of his opportunities. He recorded 16 total points and 7 rebounds but more importantly was the engine for the Storm on Tuesday night. He scored 8 of the 10 total first quarter points which sparked the energy from the home crowd. Milutinovic displayed hustle on the boards all night and was an anchor in the paint for VCA’s 2-3 zone defense.
Bell is the primary ball handler for CFCA and was able to get to the foul line despite his smaller frame because of his speed and body control. He hit a big-time three before the half to bring the game within six points. Played physical defense throughout the night and even drew a couple charges. Bell finished the game with 12 total points.
Ty Gustafson
Ty Gustafson
The 6-foot-6 combo guard played as the big man for CFCA while displaying good rebounding anticipation skills and a surprisingly good post-game. Gave an all-out effort with multiple put back layups and coming up with tough 50/50 balls. Gustafson also can shoot the rock from behind the arc and was simply a beast in the paint late in the fourth quarter. Had 12 total points and 9 rebounds.
Breville has a good frame and really made an impact when he built up confidence in his shooting ability. He scored 15 of his total 16 points in the second half after swishing three 3-balls in a row in the third quarter. Displayed good effort on both ends of the ball.