Bishop Gorman v Liberty: 5 Takeaways

<p>Bishop Gorman vs Liberty was the greatest H.S game I’ve ever seen. The script, the drama, and the actors made for an amazing game and experience. The game featured two bitter rivals. If you’re not familiar with the back story, here are the cliff notes. Gorman wins state titles every year in Football and Basketball, Liberty stopped them in Football and has their eyes set on doing the same in basketball. The game was in the Platinum Bracket of the Tarkanian Classic, a mega tournament that was making its return to Vegas after being canceled last year due to Covid concerns. The game featured the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the state, and countless players ranked in the top 10 of their class in the state. The double-overtime thriller featured three buzzer-beaters, (including one that was thrown in from half court that didn’t count) a tournament scoring record, a questionable foul call, an incredible block from a freshman, an incredible dunk from that same freshman, (that didn’t count) and finally the 3rd Platinum Championship in the last 4 tries for the Gaels. </p> <p>Here is our 10 best. </p> <p>Here’s a look at my 10 Best </p> <ol> <li> <p><strong>Best Player: [player_tooltip player_id="787643" first="Joshua" last="Jefferson"] </strong><i>6’8 SF Liberty 2022 (#2PHN 2022) - </i>If ever a player deserved to be named MOP without winning the tournament, it was Jefferson. The St Mary’s signee was sensational throughout the entire tournament. He finished the double OT thriller with 41 pts to go along with 15 rebounds. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Best Offensive Performance:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="787643" first="Joshua" last="Jefferson"]</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Best Defensive Performance: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="856647" first="Keanan" last="Bey"] 6’6 SF Bishop Gorman 2023 - Bey was magnificent providing defensive versatility for the club. I thought his effort late in the first half, really gave the Gaels the shot of energy they needed to hang in the game. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Best Intangible:</strong> The Drama. I can't tell you, the last in-state team BG has lost to, so as the game went on, and it looked more and more like Liberty was going to hold on for the win. The tension in the building began to feel palpable. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Best play: [player_tooltip player_id="1253127" first="Chris" last="Nwuli"]’s Block </strong>Late in the second half, with the Patriots looking to put an exclamation point on the game. One of the Liberty guards drove the lane, dishing it to high flying senior forward [player_tooltip player_id="859649" first="Aaron" last="Price"]. Price cocked the ball behind his head, preparing to throw down a thunderous dunk. It was at that moment, freshman Forward, [player_tooltip player_id="1253127" first="Chris" last="Nwuli"] came out of nowhere, to meet him at the rim, not only blocking the shot, but instantly shifting the momentum back on the side of the Gaels. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Best Coaching Decision:</strong> Closing to [player_tooltip player_id="1041556" first="Kaden" last="Castillero"] - For about a game and a half, I thought [player_tooltip player_id="1041556" first="Kaden" last="Castillero"] was the most important player on the floor for the Patriots. His shooting, gave the Patriots another offensive punch, while keeping the floor open for Jefferson and Thomas. In the second half, Castillero had the full attention of the Gaels, as they never left the sharpshooter, holding him scoreless in the second half and overtime. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Sleeper: [player_tooltip player_id="1041556" first="Kaden" last="Castillero"] </strong><em>(featured image)</em> <em>6’0 PG Liberty 2024 (#26PHN 2024)</em><strong> - </strong>The aforementioned Castillero was ranked 26th coming into the game. That was an obvious mistake. The sophmore PG showed off his signature skill, and showed it at a high level. In addition to the Gorman game, Castillero was a marksmen throughout the tournament. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Underclassmen: [player_tooltip player_id="1253127" first="Chris" last="Nwuli"] </strong><em>6’6 SF Bishop Gorman 2025 (#2PHN 2025) - </em>In addition to his block, Nwuli had a ridiculous dunk that didn’t count, and made countless high effort, high energy plays throughout the game. He looks the part and looks like the next great player to come out of the program. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Best Quote:</strong> Grant Rice After the game</p> </li> </ol> <p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eCnmrlkMhcs" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p><strong>10. Best aspect of the environment:</strong> The Stakes - The game had a state title game feel, with the state’s top two teams competing for one of the most coveted in-season tournament championships. It was played on campus, and had a celebrity feel to the game, with several past stars for both programs in attendance. In addition to the title, the game featured countless highly ranked players. </p> <p><em>Follow</em></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bruceprephoops/"><em>On IG</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">On Twitter</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrepHoopsNV"><em>Like Us On FB</em></a></p>