Top Performers: IMG Academy vs Link Academy

Ross Van De Griek

January 15, 2024 @ 06:07 PM

The 22nd Annual Hoophall Classic wraps up with nationally ranked teams and recruits on full display Monday afternoon. The No. 24 IMG Academy Ascenders took on the No. 4 Link Academy Lions in the final game of the weekend's prestigious event.   Here we look at some of the top five performers from the game:   [player_tooltip player_id='2145508' first='Darius' last='Acuff']- IMG Academy- 2025   The 6-2 junior point guard was on full display for the Ascenders whether it was getting to the front of the rim or pulling up from behind the arc. Acuff finished with a team-high 25 points (8-of-14 from the field), five rebounds and three assists. Acuff was also utilizing his creativity for his teammates and did a great job of moving without the ball in his hands. Defensively, he showcased his length from the guard position where he rebounded exceptionally well and ran the floor in transition finishing through contact.   [player_tooltip player_id='2197298' first='Cole' last='Certa']- IMG Academy- 2024 (Notre Dame commit)   Despite not scoring in the first half, Certa heated up during the 3rd quarter scoring eight points including a pair of 3-pointers in the loss to Link Academy. Certa made his presence felt where he can play without the ball in his hands as well as getting to his spots on the offensive end. Defensively, Certa makes a huge presence guarding out on the wings where his footwork has gradually improved when it comes to challenging shots as well as rebounding well from the guard position.   [player_tooltip player_id='1125969' first='Tre' last='Johnson']- Link Academy- 2024 (Texas commit)   According to ESPN, The nation's No. 4 ranked prospect in the senior class continued to be a matchup nightmare on the offensive end, as he got to the lane and finished above the rim numerous times on the offensive end. He has also improved his mid-range game where he can score off the catch as well as the bounce showcasing his soft touch. Johnson finished with 15 points in the win over IMG Academy. The future Texas Longhorn is a skilled shot maker who can create off the dribble as well as off the catch where he knows when to take a good shot. Defensively, Johnson's length became a challenge for opposing guards to get off a solid shot as he continued to become a matchup nightmare as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1110315' first='Jasper' last='Johnson']- Link Academy- 2025   The 6-5 junior guard is a true three-level scoring threat where he has a strong ability to get to his spots whether it's off the bounce or the catch. Johnson has a strong knack when it comes to scoring from behind the arc finishing with 14 points (3-of-8 from 3-point range) in the win over IMG Academy. Defensively, Johnson was an ultimate pest when it came to applying pressure on the opposing guards where he turned defense into offense in a hurry. He was electrifying to watch in the half-court as he used his athleticism and footwork to guard multiple positions. The five-star prospect should see a load of schools recruiting him hard as the spring and summer Grassroots season is just around the corner.   Labaron Philon- Link Academy- 2024 (Kansas commit)   The 6-3 senior guard utilized his length and quick footwork on the offensive end where he finished above the rim in a hurry. Philon was also very smooth when it came to his jump shot release knocking down a pair of 3-pointers in the win over IMG Academy. Defensively, Philon did a great job when it came to showcasing his activity in the passing lanes where he didn't allow the opposition to take an easy shot. He also provided great rim protection not allowing his opponent to get second-chance opportunities around the rim.

The 22nd Annual Hoophall Classic wraps up with nationally ranked teams and recruits on full display Monday afternoon. The No. 24 IMG Academy Ascenders took on the No. 4 Link Academy Lions in the final game of the weekend's prestigious event.