Five Takeaways: Central Florida Christian vs. Santa Fe Catholic

<p>Tuesday served as a good night for basketball.</p> <p>I made my way over for the Central Florida Christian-Santa Fe Catholic tilt where the two teams had just eight losses between them. Home side Santa Fe Catholic won 60-53.</p> <p>The Hawks improve to 22-2 while Central Florida Christian falls to 17-7. Both squads are gearing up for a deep playoff push in Class 3A and Class 2A respectively.</p> <p>Here are five takeaways from the game.</p> <p><strong>Stubbs is a man </strong></p> <p>With 23 points, 2020 6'3" guard <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joe-stubbs/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joe-stubbs/">Joe Stubbs</a></a></strong> was playing with a ton of confidence and purpose in this game. A high flying athlete, he is strong as nails and he made his money inside, grabbing boards and tipping back balls for buckets. He had nine of his team's 13 points in the first quarter alone. Stubbs is a good shooter as well and fits any offense that loves to push the ball and use his jumping ability to cause havoc. Look for a Division II/NAIA or JUCO program to come calling for his help soon.</p> <p><strong>Silva plays solid</strong></p> <p>The most consistent piece for the Eagles in this game was 2020 6'6" forward <strong>Nicolas Silva.</strong> With 16 points, he showed off his improved jumper, aggressiveness and smooth downhill ability. An undersized big man, the Miami Christian transfer is a low Division I/Division II prospect who will hold his own at the next level with his reliable play.</p> <p><strong>Walker pushes the tempo</strong></p> <p>I really enjoyed watching 2020 6'1" guard <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/antwan-walker/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/antwan-walker/">Antwan Walker</a></a> </strong>tonight. He is completely bought in for these Hawks and his ability to move the ball around and keep his offense calm does wonders. He is sneaky good up-tempo and with 14 points including eight points in the second half. Walker is a steady piece who fits this fast-paced squad and can do just that for any NAIA/JUCO program looking for help.</p> <p><strong>Rodriguez and Preaster show well</strong></p> <p>When Central Florida Christian needed a bucket in the second half, it leaned on 2022 5'11" guard <strong>Nick Rodriguez</strong>. He recorded 13 of his team-best 16 points in the second half including nine points in the third quarter. He opened things up for his offense and handled the ball with confidence, attacking the basket and connecting on jumpers. As for 2020 6'4" guard <strong>Jajuan Preaster</strong>, he is the middle Preaster brother, Jordan was a 2019 grad who went onto play at Bethune Cookman and Justin is a 2023 guard for CFCA. Jajuan put together a rock solid game with 13 points, hustling on the boards and feeding the ball around.</p> <p><strong>Bell can flat out shoot</strong></p> <p>Scoring in every single quarter, 2020 6'4" guard <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/javon-bell/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/javon-bell/">Javon Bell</a></a> </strong>is headed to State College of Florida next year and he showed why he's ready to compete. He had 10 points, hitting some tough jumpers right in front of defenders and he can push the cause on the break. Bell is a high volume shooter who loves the mid-range looks the most.</p> <p><strong>Kugel's upside is tremendous</strong></p> <p>Only six points (two 3-pointers) came from 2022 6'5" guard <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/riley-kugel/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/riley-kugel/">Riley Kugel</a></a> </strong>but it is clear that his upside is there. He's been steady all season long and he can mix it up with the best of them. His length, ballhandling, overall knowledge of the game is really strong already. If he continues to get stronger in his upper body, he'll be even better. Florida State has jumped into the conversation as a program interested in Kugel.</p>