Top Performers: Miami Norland at Miami Carol City
Norland traveled to Carol City on Tuesday night for a key Class 7A-District 15 showdown in Miami Gardens. Norland would come in 8-2, 1-0 in the district. Carol City sat 6-2, with just one district loss (1-1) to Miami Northwestern.…
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Continue ReadingNorland traveled to Carol City on Tuesday night for a key Class 7A-District 15 showdown in Miami Gardens.
Norland would come in 8-2, 1-0 in the district. Carol City sat 6-2, with just one district loss (1-1) to Miami Northwestern.
In the end, it would be visiting Norland (9-2, 2-0) that would prevail, 45-43.
Senior Jamal Moss hit the eventual game-winning points with two free throws with 9.5 seconds remaining.
“He’s a tough-minded kid,” Norland coach Lawton Williams said of Moss. “I figured he was going to make them. I figured he was going to make up for it. That’s why I didn’t take him out when he missed the previous two. I know him.”
Here are Tuesday’s top performers:
Chris Spenkuch, Norland
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 6-foot-7 signee (pictured above) posted a double-double in the win over Carol City. Spenkuch, who does almost all of his damage in the paint, scored 18 points and had double-digit rebounds.
He does a nice job getting to the free-throw line. Six of Spenkuch’s 18 points were free throws.
“He’s a Division I player,” Williams said. “That’s what I expect him to do.”
Having already signed, when asked what his goals were this season, the senior said: “To average double-digits and make it to state. We’re trying to get a ring.”
Jevon Laidler, Carol City
Laidler led three Chiefs in double figures with 14 points, including two 3-pointers. The 6-4 senior scored nine of the 14 in the second half.
Overheard from one fan in the stands with regards to Laidler: “You have to know where [No.] 22 is.” And that fan is correct.
Laidler has an offer from Boston University, per the Carol City staff.
Travis Baker, Norland
The 6-2 senior guard was the only other player in double-digits for the Vikings with 10 points. He connected on two long 3-pointers.
“You’ve gotta gut those out sometimes,” Williams said of the two-point victory. “Got to gut them out. They [Carol City] played well. Good game plan for us.”
Allen Carswell, Carol City
Carswell is a small guard but plays much bigger than his height. He finished with 10 points — 7 in the final half.
The left-hander is active, a good passer, can drive and rebounds for the smallest guy on the court.
“Allen Carswell is a beast,” Carol City coach Charles Hankerson said. “I am so proud of him. He plays with all heart. If he was 6-1, he would be a monster. But he runs our team. Everything that we ask of him that’s what he does for us.”
Lyndon Paul & Avoree Wilson, Carol City
The 6-5 Wilson and 6-2 Paul — both seniors — each scored 6 first-half points as Carol City held a 21-16 advantage at halftime.
Paul finished with 10 points, while Wilson was shut out down the stretch.
“We made a few errors down the stretch but I am very, very proud of my team,” Hankerson said. “I think if we had been a little bit more careful with the basketball — we missed a couple layups that we should have made. But they are a good team. To beat a good team you have to play well. I thought it was a tremendous high school game.”
If you have high school basketball news, you can reach Pat Lammer via e-mail at PatALammer@Gmail.com or via text at 954-661-9671.