Western Class A Final Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops took in the Imani Christian victory over Union Area last night, with the Saints getting up early and expanding their advantage in the second half on their way to a 72-40 win. The win sends Imani to the state finals against Berlin-Brothersvalley as heavy favorites as the young Saints feature a host of scholarship level prospects in their lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who stood out last night?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1188606' first='Alier' last='Maluk'] | F | Imani Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'10" Maluk floated throughout the game and didn't force anything. He hit for 20 points and did so in a quiet way as the guards did the bulk of the lifting. He showcased range on his jumper, hitting a few shots beyond the arc and was also a menace on the glass, grabbing rebounds, blocking shots and being a menace in the middle. On a team that has incredible balance, Maluk gets his points but doesn't have to be a 40ppg guy. Stopping him will be Berlin's toughest task in the final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Virgil Hall | F | Imani Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another bruising frontcourt player for the Saints, Hall was playing at a high level last night. He displayed good footwork in the post and also drew his defender towards the perimeter and put the ball on the floor, getting to the basket. Another matchup problem at any level, Berlin will have to limit his access to the rim and try to force him to shoot from range. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1621402' first='RJ' last='SLEDGE'] | G | Imani Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sledge has been playing at a very high level throughout the playoffs and he was pedal to the floor last night. He did an excellent job running the point, causing havoc and facilitating. He also had a good game on offense, both on fast breaks and hitting shots. With Imani one win away from a state title, Sledge will have to dig deep one more time to produce an elite game in the lead guard spot. If he replicates his last few games, Imani is lifting the trophy, Maluk and Hall aside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1188604' first='Dame' last='Givner'] | G | Imani Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another sensational sophomore in the Saints lineup, Givner got at the rim off the bounce well last night. With Union having to collapse it opened up both post and perimeter options. The backcourt battle against Berlin will set the tone for the final and if Givner can join Sledge in another solid game, the youthful Saints should be in a good place. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='991361' first='Matt' last='Stanley'] | G | Union Area</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior went down swinging to the very end last night. He did a good job bringing the ball up against the Imani press and facilitating their offense in the halfcourt. He had a great senior year and showed himself to be a legit college prospect as a strong lead guard who can run an offense and also score the basketball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->