Wasatch 51 – La Lumiere 54
Though La Lumiere was a bit short-handed coming into the game, they competed and played extremely well, giving themselves a chance at the end. It was all about the 3-pt shooting for La Lumiere, as 13 of their 17 made field goals come from behind the arc. It was a tight battle throughout and tough sledding when it came to both offenses at times, but this game was tied at 51 with under 30 seconds to go before Kaleb Glenn (who finished 2-for-13 from the floor) hit what would be the game-winning three. Wasatch had a chance at the end but a big defensive play by La Lumiere helped seal the deal.
Stats:
La Lumiere: Zaide Lowery 14pts, 9rebs/ Gus Yalden 13pts, 7rebs/ Kaleb Glenn 11pts, 11rebs
Wasatch: Jeremiah Johnson 11pts/ RJ Jones 10pts/ Isiah Harwell 9pts, 5asts
Standouts/ Notes:
2023 Zaide Lowery (La Lumiere): The Marquette commit hit some big shots, going 4-for-8 from three and also snatching down nine rebounds. Really showed his ability to knock down shots with range and a confident release.
2023 Trenton Walters (La Lumiere): Was impressed with the guard heading to Radford. Walters was another that hit big shots, but really did a great job in showing his speed, his quick change of direction, his ability to create off the dribble, and just how sneaky he can be on both sides. Active defensively in creating steals but also set up his teammates well.
2024 Malick Diallo (Wasatch): Diallo was a player that just kept grabbing my attention with his impact. He was active down low, finished well around the basket, was a rim protector and blocked shots, and also was strong on the boards. In my opinion, the 6'10 big played hard, moved his feet, and played well.
Montverde Academy 66 – Sunrise Christian 62
It was a battle between two of the top teams in the country and it turned out like that throughout the game. Both teams started to get things going midway through the first half, as Derik Queen led the charge for Montverde early. But Sunrise Christian played extremely well, eventually leading by as many as 11 points late in the second quarter before Montverde made a small run to end the half. Queen continued to dominate for Montverde and chip away at the lead but Sunrise had an answer with Matas Buzelis and company. The game eventually came down to the end, and it was Queen once again that was able to hit two free throws to put them up late, and Liam McNeely to secure the win from the line. Monverde was able to end the game on an 11-0 run to earn the victory.
Stats:
Montverde: Derik Queen 34pts, 11rebs/ Cam Johnson 14pts, 5asts/ Liam McNeely 8pts, 8rebs
Sunrise: Matas Buzelis 23pts, 12rebs/ Scotty Middleton 14pts/ Miro LIttle 12pts
Standouts/Notes:
2024 Derik Queen (Montverde): Queen was an absolute monster on the court and had one of the best showings we have seen him play. He went 14-for-20 from the floor, as Queen carved out space, showed great touch and feel in the post, He uses his size to bully through defenders, was able to finish and get to the line, show his hands and feel in the paint, and he simply couldn’t be stopped. Unbelievable showing from the big man.
2023 Matas Buzelis (Sunrise): I’ve always enjoyed watching Buzelis operate on the cour. At his size and with his feel, he can be such a tough matchup and he showed that in this game. He was 9-for-16 from the floor, has a smooth confident release, easily scores over defenders, can put on the deck and make plays, step out and knock down threes, and be a force with his size inside and on the boards.
