Evolving HHCA Hawks Bury Our Savior New American Late
Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (HHCA) defeated Our Savior New American (OSNA) on the shoulders of strong first and fourth quarters, 62-50.
Perhaps no single player vaulted HHCA (12-5) into a winning position more than 2018 wing Yannick LeGuenne. The French import buried three three-pointers in the second half and all three created significant separation from a hungry OSNA squad.
Yannick played sparingly. With 5:30 remaining he did hit a 3-pointer at 47-42, which opened it up to 50-42. His triples were all vitally important and this particular shot forced a disbelieving head shake from OSNA’s head coach.
LeGuenne did not necessarily lead the team all game. Opening up the first quarter scoring gap were starters Jordan Rawls (PrepHoopsTN #15 in 2019) and Wheza Panzo (PrepHoopsTN #4 in 2019).
As HHCA lead 42-33, OSNA paused for a timeout. OSNA then went on an 8-3 run. It was a great launching pad for their fourth quarter, but HHCA capitalized at the third quarter buzzer. Wheza Panzo attacked the paint with 12 seconds left. Jitoboh tipped the first miss back, missed. Panzo tipped another and finally found the right touch over two defenders to beat the buzzer.
Panzo showed the same level of commitment all game.
Rawls’ fifth point forced an early OSNA timeout. He buried the first three-pointer of the game from the top of the arc. Two possessions later, Rawls took a handoff and stepped to the free throw line for a smooth jumper.
Jordan Rawls did not shoot great for the game (6-15). His early spurt set the tone though.
HHCA burst into the lane more than earlier in the season. The wings (Samson Ruzhentsev, Rawls, Panzo) really carved out driving lanes. They drew many fouls.
Defensive Investment
Wheza Panzo played his typical stout defense. The post defense truly helped HHCA suppress the OSNA attack. Starter Jason Jitoboh (2019 #7) blocked two shots and changed countless others. Serbian center Uros Plavsic (2018 #24) turned three shots away.
OSNA only brought six players and the centers of HHCA provided a formidable defensive backbone. Between the two centers the paint turned into an unenviable position to shoot. Early in the game Jitoboh challenged a 15′ shot. That range of motion is an exciting improvement for the junior.
In the last month he visited Tennessee. The Volunteers are one of his biggest pursuers.
MVP
The game’s MVP surely belongs to Uros Plavsic (Cleveland State verbal).
The Serbian improves at a rapid rate. Though he arrived just two months ago, Uros is finding the toughness required to play American basketball. Ranked 24th in 2018, he might be a top 10 player in the class statewide. The potential for growth is incredible. At 7-foot-1 Plavsic rebounds very well and can hit open outside shots when they present themselves.
Plavsic finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds in front of former college NCAA National Player of the Year Danny Manning (Wake Forest HC). Coach Manning was in the house to watch Jaylen Hoard (WF signee), but Uros put on a wonderful display nonetheless.
HHCA headed back to Chattanooga with a single win after their Monday opponent dropped out citing weather concerns.
Earlier Sunday we featured the top individual performers of the entire Music City MLK Classic event.
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