Chipotle Nationals: Thursday Top Performers
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Thursday action at the Chipotle nationals saw each of the eight invited teams playing in quarterfinal action. In this article I’ll break down the five standout performers from a day filled with action. Darren Harris VA #3 SF #1 HEIGHT…
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Continue ReadingThursday action at the Chipotle nationals saw each of the eight invited teams playing in quarterfinal action. In this article I’ll break down the five standout performers from a day filled with action.
Paul VI cooked the IMG defense, scoring 101 points in a dominant quarterfinal victory. It was Harris doing what he does best, making contested shots and running off screens to fire away from all areas of the court. One of the elite shooters in the country, Harris plays on balance when taking shots off movement and gets squared up to the rim. Doesn’t need much time or space to launch away, Harris sets his feet quickly and isn’t phased by hands in his face. Paul VI had an incredible 25 assists to 5 turnovers and got whatever they wanted in the half-court. Harris has a game built to translate to the college level, with his pace, strength and shot-making ability, he could appear on the ACC all-freshman team next season.
A true two-way stud, Boozer helped lead Columbus (FL) on both ends of the court to a double-digit win over the LuHi. I love the way Boozer protects the rim without fouling, going straight up when contesting shots. With four blocks and a steal, Boozer commanded the paint and led the game with 10 rebounds. On the offensive end, Boozer was efficient once again and did his best work with his back to the basket where he got easy looks. Cam, Cayden and Jase Richardson all played the entire game for Columbus (FL) leading the public school to the Chipotle semifinals where they’ll meet another Nike Scholastic powerhouse, Montverde in the semis.
Labaron Philon
Labaron Philon
Philon hit some huge shots down the stretch for Link Academy as they came back to stun Prolific Prep in double overtime. The future Kansas Jayhawk hit shots off the catch and took care of the basketball. The difference in the game was Link’s ability to win the turnover battle. Despite Prolific Prep outrebounding Link by 12, Link had just 8 turnovers compared to 15 for Prolific Prep. These led to transition opportunities for Philon and Jalen Shelley as Link found the most success in transition.
The only player on Prolific Prep to shoot over 50% from the field, Sherrell’s outside shooting ability helped keep his team in the game. Knocking down all four of his 3-point attempts, Sherrell gave Link trouble with the pick and pop game. One of four players on Prolific Prep grabbing at least eight rebounds, the size advantage was a factor all day. Combine that with Sherrell’s ability to protect the rim as the only player with more than one block in the game and he’s an easy choice for a standout performer.
Montverde had a shockingly slow start to the game as their offense couldn’t get anything going in the first half. The team went into the locker room and the unbeaten, top team in the country played like it in the third quarter. Defense turned into offense quickly and timely shot-making by Wright helped Montverde erase a halftime deficit and cruise to a comfortable win. The defense and physicality wore out a scrapy Az Compass Prep squad as Montverde ended up wearing down their opposition with an advantage on the interior and at the foul line.