Behan Invitational: Playmakers & Difference-Makers

These players below may not have earned game MVP honors at the Behan Strong Invitational, but they each impacted the game in a major way!    Adlan was a defensive menace in PVI's win vs Georgetown. He picked up steal after steal from jumping passing lanes. His on-ball defense was pestering throughout the whole game. He ignited a few runs with his defensive activity and was on the finishing end of some nice plays at the rim. Elamin was a major force in the game without scoring many points. His performance more than helped hold a talented Georgetown Prep to just 46 points.     Mason did a good job rebounding the ball for Ryken, did what he needed as the tallest player on the floor. He finished inside on a few nice post moves. Mason was very effective in the post when he slowed down and got himself into good and close scoring position where he could turn and finish over the defense. Would've liked to see him get the ball deeper in the post to maximize his post presence. Mason was effective defensively as well, added a game-saving block to his statsheet at the end of regulation. Nice game overall from the big man.     [player_tooltip player_id='2450418' first='Marley' last='Park'] was the x-factor to Jackson Reed's big win over Bullis. Seemed to always make the big basket that the Tentley Tigers were searching for in critical moments. He was a force on the offensive glass if he was not boxed-out. Made some putbacks off the boards and had some great kickouts to set-shooters. He made a big 3pt basket late in the second half to keep J Reed back up by 1 in a tight back-and-forth game. Without Park's solid impact, we may have been looking at a different result to the close 49-47 Jackson Reed victory.     There were a number of players that made a impact for Episcopal in their OT victory, and the senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2340866' first='Davian' last='King'] was without a doubt one of those players. He made some big-time baskets in the second half time and time again. Got out in transition and finished strong at the basket a number of times. Had one clutch and-1 layup to match a previous 3pt shot made on the opposite end. Shifted the momentum a couple times in the game, another big shot coming with just 3 minutes left. Sank a 3 to close the gap and help start a comeback effort in the final minutes. Big impact from Davian in his minutes during an intense game.     Turk was everywhere on the floor for PVI on both ends. He spent the early stages of the game feeling out his opponent and assessing different options based off different attacks. Once he got into rhythm, he was firing off passes to shooters and cutters alike with ease. Turk easily maneuvered his way through the defense in the second half and helped open things up for PVI with his playmaking. Assist-man to a lot of alley-oops and fast break highlights. Also found his shooters on the perimeter well once breaking through the first line of defense while limiting turnovers. Shot the ball well from three when he had the opportunity to catch-and-shoot.     Chuma was quite effective with his touches in this overtime win against St Mary's Ryken. He started off the game draining a couple of threes and firing often when given space. Chuma was pretty efficient out on the break, always tried to get ahead into scoring position. Finished a few layups and had a nice euro-move to evade the defense on one drive. It was clear the Achufusi knew how to score the ball and has the confidence to be a consistent scoring option for Episcopal. Sat for a bit due to foul trouble and lineup changes, but immediately entered the game late in the 4th quarter. Made a quick move by the defender and finished at the rim through contact.     Zyion was a level above his competition athletically this game. He entered the game and helped to up the offensive pace by getting out in transition and making great cuts to the basket. Zyion slashed the basket well and finished his drives strong at the rim. Defenders hesitated to step in front at times when he got into a full head of steam. His greatest impact this game was simply making timely cuts to the rim and letting his guards find him along the baseline. Had a number of baskets at the rim from being in the right position. Big difference-maker for St. John's when he uses his athleticism to the max. The team can really go off of his momentum.     This OT game vs Episcopal was entertaining for a number of reasons. Seeing the way Isaiah approached this game was one of the reasons for that. He came out and played phenomenal defense right from tipoff, defending shots with textbook technique, arms straight up while jumping vertical to avoid a foul call and defend effectively. Carpenter had a couple of nice post backdown scores while flashing some good footwork and patience. He was a consistent rebounder for Ryken all game long. Always seemed to be in the mix for an offensive rebound. Solid performance from the young ascending Carpenter.

These players below may not have earned game MVP honors at the Behan Strong Invitational, but they each impacted the game in a major way!