Eastside v. St. Francis: 10 BEST
Gainesville-Eastside played spoiler to St.Francis’s home opener, last night. The Rams were just way too big for the Wolves to contend with, especially in the paint, as Eastside cruised to a 71-49 win. Check out the 10-Best from the matchup!
MVP: Malik Robertson – Eastside: Nobody could guard him in the post. He stayed physical, made it hard for Francis to get anything going within seven feet of the hoop. On offense, he was a monster. He’s figured out how to be effective in that part of the game: Establish position, post a man up, hit a strong move or a good one-step power dribble, and score.
Best on Offense: Malik Robertson – Eastside: The senior had one of the best games of his high school career, last night. Thirty points. Fifteen rebounds. Twenty-two of those points came in the second half. One thing he’s developed over the summer, what he does with the first dribble in the high post. It’s strong, purposeful. He’s not thinking about what he wants to do with the ball. He’s focused on scoring it.
Best on Defense: Keanis Smart – Eastside: His defense in the post and on-the-baseline was great to see. He loves to get his hands in the passing gap. He’s a guy that can consistently disrupt anyone, no matter if they have the ball or not. Smart teamed up for a vicious block right at the rim late in the third quarter. He has a nose to defend.
Best Energy: James Pope – Eastside: Diving for loose balls when you’re already up 20. It’s just something you can’t teach! On a 50/50 ball, Pope challenged the St. Francis player from the rim, all the way to mid-court, where he eventually came away with the steal. He wanted it more than anyone.
Best Aspect: The effort of senior Ram, Noah Richardson: I saw their two preseason games last week, and he struggled a bit. He’s always been a guy that could be an asset to his squad. But yesterday, you couldn’t ignore his activity. The two blocks, the boxing-out of three-point shooters as soon as they take the shot, the pass-breakups.. Just loved his action.
Best Rebounder: Miguel Yepez – St. Francis: With the exception of Whether it be rebounds or putbacks, Yepez did his best to keep his squad in the game. He was the hardest battling Wolf on the floor. Yepez had a mean block on Anthony Richardson and recovered the loose ball in the same motion. He’s a good one.
Best Bench Player: Emontae Shannon – Eastside: Shannon didn’t do much on the offensive end, only notching four points. But his defense was enough to be noticed. He grabbed two steals and guarded the perimeter really well. If he got any more minutes, he’d only be more productive for the Rams.
Best Radar Guy: Anthony Richardson – Eastside: Anthony is one of the most athletic kids in the city. He can jump out the gym, and proved that with a couple of dunks while tallying 10 points. In the second half, he was a force on the rebounding tip. He can do you from the mid-range, or in the post. Look out for this sophomore.
Best Quote: Malik Robertson: “The coach had confidence in me. … Once I got the ball on the first play of the game, I already knew what time it was.”
Things to look forward to: The bounce back of St. Francis: They’re better than what they let on in this particular game. It’ll be interesting to see how senior Nick Baskin and his group responds after losing an opener in that fashion. They have some quick guards, but not too much size. Want to see how they can use that quickness to their advantage.