Standouts: Day 2 at Wayne Gandy Christmas Tournament
The Wayne Gandy Christmas Tournament has been an exciting one to watch. Although many of the teams are young and finding their way, they’ve provided lots of close games and excitement. It was day two so the matchups are based off what happened the day before. Several players that I hadn’t noticed the day before had settled in and showcased their talent at a high level.
Standouts:
Charles Crews | Strawberry Crest | 2021
Strawberry Crest struggled to score for much of the game and the freshman was called out to do more by his coach in the second half and he responded by hitting shot after shot. Down three with two seconds left in the fourth, he nailed a three at the top of the key to send the game into overtime. At the end of overtime, the chargers fell into the same situation and Crews refused to lose, nailing another three to send it to double overtime. In double overtime, with ten seconds to go and a tie score he nailed another three to go up by 3 for the win. Crews finished with a game high 23 points.
Eric Brown | Avon Park | 2020
Avon Park battled Strawberry Crest the entire game. Eric Brown went to work on their post defenders early and scoring at ease until the double teams came. Brown is a well rounded player, he played great defense, protected the rim and rebounded well. finished the game with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Javariuss Smith | Avon Park | 2019
Javariuss was the Robin to Avon Park’s Batman, Eric Brown. He cleaned up whatever was missed offensively and defended well also. the tandem of him and Brown was very effective. He’s the ultimate hustle player. Missed free throws by Avon Park proved costly in this game. Smith ended up with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Adolphus Lewis | Sebring | 2018
Standing at 5’9, Adolphus Lewis is easily over looked. The point guard is a hard worker and runs his team well. He put players in their places as needed and attacked the lane all game long. He also pushed up on his opposing players causing several turnovers. Lewis ended up with 16 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds.
Alvin Tumblin | Sebring | 2021
Alvin came to play today. He posted hard, called for the ball and scored when his chances presented themselves. In the team’s press is where he thrived most. He took steals and turned them into thunderous dunks. His stock will rise throughout the years if he keeps working and progressing. He finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals.
Walter Clayton | Lake Wales | 2021
Some say he is the best freshman point guard in Florida, I’d have to agree. In two games at this tournament, he has been simply amazing. His stats weren’t available for game two but his impact was felt on nearly every possession. He constantly pressures defenses by pushing the ball and setting offense when needed. He constantly pressures opposing offenders by staying on top of them. I’ve yet to see him get rattled or fold.
Shawn Esajas | Hudson | 2019
Shawn came off the bench and immediately made his impact into the game. He blew past defenders on his way to the rim and made play after play. His stats were not available but he rebounds well also. He was the Cobra’s got to guy and setup others for wide open shots the entire game. He’s had solid games in both games and I’m looking forward to seeing him again.
Amari Campbell | Haines City | 2019
Amari Campbell eases his way into games but leaves a lasting impact performance. He’s not flashy but he is humble and just simply out works opponents as the game goes on. Campbell is a combo guard who can do a little of it all, slashes or spots up on the wing. His stats were not available.
Today’s contest will start at 3pm with Sebring vs Avon Park, Hudson vs Ridge Community at 4:30pm, Strawberry Crest vs Lake Region at 6pm, and will feature a Championship between Lake Wales and host Haines City at 7:30pm.