Classic Polk Showdown — VCA at Santa Fe Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A must-see local Polk County showdown ended with Victory Christian defeating Santa Fe 65-63 in a thrilling overtime game that had the atmosphere of a title matchup. Great coaching and effort from both teams. PH scout Drew Johnson was in the building to note player standouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><em>Victory Christian Storm&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1055782' first='Lorenzo' last='Cason'] | G | 2024 | @CasonLorenzo1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've watched a few live games now where Cason has put on dominant scoring displays but last night may have topped them all. The senior FAU commit hit a couple of contested three-pointers as soon as I walked in the door. The turning point was when he finished a strong And 1 play to tie the game. No other play was more important than his mid-range shot over two defenders to take a game-sealing 65-63 lead.&nbsp;He finished the game with 26 total points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633075' first='Tucker' last='Fox'] | G | 2026 | @tuckerfox15&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The young Fox played with the utmost energy throughout the game. He tracked down offensive rebounds to give his team extra plays, became a pest on the defensive end, and stretched the floor with his solid corner three-shot. He's a rising sophomore guard who scored 15 points to help his team get the tough away win. Fox doesn't make too many mistakes and plays with good effort.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2299674' first='Thok' last='Gol'] | F | 2026 | @thok_Gol</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive centerpiece for VCA and Paint Beast is continuing to develop at the game. Gol is a 6-8 versatile and long forward who can run the floor and defend multiple positions. His play was crucial last night to secure the win as he scored 9 points with likely double-double rebound numbers. His ability to deter shots at the rim and score consistently on the offensive end will be important for VCA in the long run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1296001' first='Mike' last='Andino'] | G | 2024 |&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1055581' first='Jordan' last='Lanier'] | G | 2024 | @jordanlanier13</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Without<strong> </strong>these two kids playing their part VCA struggles to close out wins. Not big scoring outputs by either of these guys but the defensive effort provided was more than enough. Both know how to run the offense and limit mistakes but the versatility and ability to impact the game in various ways is what makes them special.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><em>Santa Fe Hawks&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1450225' first='Tate' last='Darner'] | G | 2025 | @TateDarner_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haven't got to watch Darner play live since the last season and this kid is really starting to grow into his frame. I knew of his potential upside but to watch it on display last night was truly impressive. He scored 21 points while attempting to Will his team to a second-half home win. It wasn't enough but surely he gets the nod for his overall effort. He's a lights-out shooter as many know but it's the slept-on winning spirit and leadership mentality that may not show up on film. Watch out for Darner to continue developing and get the attention of college coaches.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Danilo Stankovic | F | 2026 | @_Stankovic_D</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was unaware of Stankovic making the move over to Santa Fe but this kid is a natural fit into what Coach Mike Blicher is building. He's a 6-7 versatile forward product who flashed his decent three-game and flashy moves to finish at the rim. Stankovic finished with 20 points while providing a solid defensive effort. I really like this kid's game to translate and overall upside to keep developing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Best of the Rest:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antonio Wright | G | 2024 | @AntonioW2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633082' first='Toby' last='Lane'] | G | 2026 | @TobyLane2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two solid guards who play their roles on the Hawks squad that has started the season hot despite the tough loss. Both of these kids are physical guards that can press opponent's dribblers. On the offensive side, they score when needed but most importantly limit turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->