MADE Hoops Miami: Sagemont v Combine Academy (NC)

Day 2 of The Main Event had another great matchup for fans pitting Sagemont, from Weston against the Combine Academy from North Carolina. Combine's squad was loaded with Juniors and Seniors, even a future FAU commit in Josiah Parker. Here are some of the players who impressed during the game.    Knowles got it started for Sagemont with a rip through drive into the paint for a floater, then followed up a missed shot attempt by teammate Matthew Able. Knowles was all over the court and attacking the paint to draw defenders for the kickout to his shooters. Defensively, he is committed and picked up full court on some possessions, being that pesky defender who just gets into the offense and makes them flustered. With about 5 minutes to go in the 1st half, Knowles almost came up with a steal of the inbounds after a made bucket as well just pressuring the offense and reading where his assignment was going towards the ball.     Parker came out and scored the first bucket of the game on a smooth spin move off the glass and really showed his understanding putting his defender on his back, showing to the middle then turning the other way and finding daylight for the shot off the window. The FAU commit also showed his ability to switch defensively and guard the perimeter on occasion. The fluidity of his game and overall confidence helped Combine close this one out eventually, taking home the 103-94 win. He definitely will make some noise for the Owls in the future fitting into the pace-and-space schemes they have which will play to Parker's strengths.     Thomas was another player who showed off some great skills on both sides of the ball. His reach and length were used to deter and disrupt the offense whenever he had a chance. He also has tight ball handling skills, was able to split defenders with his dribble and get to the lane to finish. He also plays the game with his eyes up also looking to involve teammates. On a drive, late in the 2nd quarter, he drew the defense in and kicked to the short corner and had the assist that led to the assist for a knock down from the top of the key for [player_tooltip player_id='2374324' first='Ezra' last='Gelin'].     The freshman showed poise throughout the game on both ends of the floor, able to knock down shots as well as play high level defense as a youngster. His offensive game shows and understanding beyond his years. Making solid reads and knowing when to react and swing the ball, or attack the rim, Gelin was doing a little bit of everything for the Lions squad. Though they did not come out of this one victorious, the team should be poised for a long run this season when everyone is healthy.     Combined with his backcourt mate Gelin, Francois was able to keep the score close for the Lions in the game. Another young piece to the Lions squad, Francois can fill it up and plays with a confidence seen in more seasoned players. This shows the ability to continue to develop and be coached by the Lions staff while growing his game as he develops more over the next few years.    In a hard fought game, Combine Academy came out on top of this one 103-94. Sagemont still showed they can hang with any team in the country and when their roster is fully healthy, may have given this contest a different outcome. Make sure to keep an eye on the development and growth of Francois and Gelin once Able heads to college next year.

Day 2 of The Main Event had another great matchup for fans pitting Sagemont, from Weston against the Combine Academy from North Carolina. Combine's squad was loaded with Juniors and Seniors, even a future FAU commit in Josiah Parker. Here are some of the players who impressed during the game.