NCISAA Top Performers – Conference Tournament Week
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With the independent school regular season coming to a close last week with the last games and conference tournaments before the state championship, it’s only right to close out the Top Performers series. Take a look at five guys below…
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Continue ReadingWith the independent school regular season coming to a close last week with the last games and conference tournaments before the state championship, it’s only right to close out the Top Performers series. Take a look at five guys below who came up big for their squads last week.
Cooper doesn’t have such a prominent role due to his team’s outstanding depth and talent, but he had 20 and 13 points in FA’s two conference tournament wins. He’s also notched 9 steals in those games as he’s continually played impressive, tenacious defense all season long. He makes life hard for opposing ballhandlers as well as jumping into gaps and passing lanes when his man doesn’t have the ball. Also a competent distributor who knows how to find the right man.
Highlights
Cannon exploded in a win over Calvary Day, posting 35 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 blocks to lead the Furies to the championship. He’s long, thin and can explode to the basket with great quickness and burst, finishing over people with his athleticism and length. He can shoot it a little bit too, but is mostly disruptive because of his 6’10 frame and guard like quickness. Protecting the rim comes easy, and he’s a hard box simply because he’s so tall.
Oden was the MOP of Grace Christian’s conference tournament, stuffing the stat sheet with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks in the championship game. He is a dogged warrior on the court who makes hustle plays and brings an absurd amount of intensity whenever he steps onto the floor. He’s a very well rounded point guard who can score and facilitate, and should be an impact pickup for a school next year.
Caldwell exploded for 47 points and 13 rebounds in the conference championship game for Trinity Christian, showcasing his refined game as a post scorer and physical forward prospect. He can operate around the basket with good touch and handle in order to attack defender’s hips as well as beat them with pure physicality. Also will compete on the boards and fight hard every possession.
Highlights
Deluca continues to tear it up as a wing scoring option for UFCA, scoring his 1,000th point recently and tacking a smooth 21 point, 8 rebound performance up last week against North Hills Christian before the state tournament begins. He’s a big body that can either drive it to the hoop or step out and shoot a perimeter jumper against defenders who do not respect it. He’s improved a lot from deep this season, shooting 46% from behind the arc.