Donofrio Classic: Round One Thursday standouts

The annual Donofrio Classic continued on Wednesday with more first round action featuring some high-level talent taking the floor across both games. Keep reading for a recap of some top performers from Thursday night's action.    Putting on the most explosive scoring display of the entire opening week, Pace erupted for 44 points in what will be his only game of the tournament as his younger Cool Hoops team went down in defeat. The polished guard showed off the balanced skillset and prolific shotmaking that made him South Jersey's best guard throughout the winter. He rained in six 3's while also showing advanced footwork and balance as a scorer in the midrange. His fiery competitiveness also played well in the win-or-go-home Donofrio setting. Pace is one of the more consistently productive unsigned guards in the region and will look to win over D1 coaches while suiting up on the UAA circuit as an unsigned senior this spring.     Teaming with several of his ANC teammates who collectively have won a ton of games (and championships) over the past several years, Warren made sure they've get the opportunity to suit up at least once more, leading Love Basketball to a runaway opening round win. Fresh off his commitment to Lock Haven, Warren poured in 25 points to earn team-high honors in an otherwise balanced scoring effort. The rugged two-way forward was effective using his size and athleticism to impose his will against an undersized frontcourt. He also flashed his underrated perimeter skillset while knocking down a pair of 3s and brought his typical high-motor two-way approach, hauling in nine rebounds in the process. Warren's game isn't always the prettiest but he consistently gets the job done and could wind up looking like a steal at the D2 level.     Suiting up with a handful of his soon-to-be AAU teammates on the New Balance circuits, Franklin gave a glimpse of what should be a big spring in store with a smooth 30-point performance. Despite the loss, Franklin was among the most dynamic scorers to take the floor all night, showcasing his multi-level attack. He was effective as a shotmaker both off the catch and getting into the midrange off the dribble while also showing his athleticism in the open floor on a number of highlight finishes. Franklin has been playing at a consistently high level dating back to the high school season and should be on D1 radars heading into a crucial spring and summer.     An unsung hero as part of a deep and accomplished senior class at ANC, Torres had the chance to stand out while suiting up with a number of his high school teammates for the last time. Torres stuffed the stat sheet from the point guard spot while contributing 14 points in a Love Basketball win to advance to next week's second round. He brings a balanced skillset off the bounce with poised decisionmaking and the ability to take what the defense gives him as a scorer and shotmaker from each level of the floor. His team-first approach and winning pedigree could make for a nice pickup at the small-college level.     Helping his Raw Sports team to a decisive first round win, Royal was the most impressive underclassman of the night. The emerging young big from the Harrisburg area continued to build on a strong back half of his repeat sophomore season, putting together a 16-point, nine-rebound performance while imposing his will inside against an undersized opponent. He's always stood out with his imposing frame and impressive athleticism, but is starting to turn potential into production at a more consistent rate, opening up an intriguing upside for higher-level D1 programs to begin tracking.

The annual Donofrio Classic continued on Wednesday with more first round action featuring some high-level talent taking the floor across both games. Keep reading for a recap of some top performers from Thursday night's action.