At the Norm Stewart Classic, two of the top teams met up between Southern Cal Academy and Link Academy. Two programs loaded with talent was the highlight game of the night, and though many expected a high-flying offensive game, it was a defensive battle all throughout. Neither team was able to find success for the most part offensively, as Link Academy held a 10-5 first-quarter lead and eventually held a 13-12 lead at halftime. Link Academy was able to outscore SoCal 15-6 in the third quarter to hold a 10-point lead and eventually, both teams started to get their offense going but Link Academy held onto the lead throughout the game, eventually winning 46-41.
Final: Link Academy 46 – SoCal Academy 41
Stats:
Link: Cameron Carr 12pts, Elliot Cadeau 8pts, Jakobe Walter 9pts
SoCal: Garwey Dual 10pts, Drew Fielder 13pts, Jahseem Felton 7pts
POB's Thoughts:
- I was interested in seeing 2024 Elliot Cadeau (Link) play, as he is regarded as one of the top point guards in the country. The junior guard showed the flashes of why he is regarded so high by many, as his ability to see the floor, set up his teammates, deliver on-point passes, and get everyone involved was impressive. He is a terrific playmaker with the ball in his hands, and was able to bring a balanced feel, get to the line, and be the floor general on the court.
- 2023 Cameron Carr (Link), a 6'5 prospect committed to Tennessee, helped lead the way with his perimeter shot. He did a great job in finding the open spots, getting open in the corner, and rising up and using his length to knock down shots with range. A confident shooter that didn't second-guess, even when shots didn't quite fall.
- 2023 Ja'Kobe Walter (Link), a Baylor commit, was able to do a little bit of everything, operating and being effective from multiple levels. He was able to get downhill and get to the line, remain active and help on the boards, step out and knock down shots, and score in a variety of ways. Just seemed to have his hands in a little bit of everything on the floor.
- 2023 Garwey Dual (SoCal), committed to Providence, is an intriguing prospect and one I'm interested in seeing what he can do at the next level. Leading the charge offensively, he did a nice job in creating and making plays off the dribble, seeing the floor, using his 6'5 frame to his advantage, and eventually being able to create opportunities scoring-wise for himself in the second half. With his size, he is going to be a tough matchup with his ability to be a ball-handler on the court.
- Another Providence commit, 2023 6'10 Drew Fielder (SoCal) was another prospect that grabbed our attention. A fluid forward that is comfortable in operating from inside and out, has good footwork and skillset, and has no issue in stepping out and being effective as well. He scored the ball all over the floor and has a fluid release to his shot.
- It was good to see our guy 2024 Jahseem Felton (SoCal) again on the floor, as he continues to show his ability to get his own shot. He was able to knock down a shot from three, but also put the ball on the deck and get to the basket as well.
