On to Game 3 on Court 4, as York Prep and Cumberland Christian brought us a treat with their play. Two teams that some may have not watched yet but should certainly have the attention of college coaches, this game looked to go back and forth. York Prep came out strong to take the early lead, knocking down shots from outside and being active on the boards. But Cumberland Christian continued to fight, much of which with their young sophomores making plays. York Prep held the lead for much of the first half but it was usually a one or two-possession game, as they led 32-31 at halftime.
Second half was much of the same, with teams making small runs but it continued to be York Prep to that held the lead, eventually creating a little more separation by the end of the third quarter leading 54-46 heading into the fourth. Cumberland Christian though stepped up their attack and eventually tied it up at 54 early in the fourth quarter. It was back and forth from then on until the final seconds, as the game was tied at 63 with 24 seconds remaining. Cumberland Christian was able to get control of a loose ball on offense and eventually turn it into an easy basket by Gora Niang, which ultimately was the winning basket with the final score being 65-63 Cumberland.
Stats:
Cumberland:
Jermaine Smoak 18 points
Gora Niang 13 points
Christian Bacon 13 points
Jelani Hamilton 13 points
York Prep:
Kory Davis 19 points
Ji Brown 8 points
Kendall Davis: 9 points
Standouts:
2022 Jermain Smoak (Cumberland): The junior stepped up in this matchup, making quite a few tough scoring plays. Liked his decision making on the floor, took good shots with his mid-range shot, and made several tough plays on both ends for his team.
2022 Kory Davis (York Prep): Davis did a tremendous job in balancing his game, whether it was scoring the ball early, attacking the rim or spotting up, or also making plays for his teammates. With his speed, it was tough for defenders to stay in front of him throughout the afternoon.
2023 Jelani Hamilton (Cumberland): Only a sophomore but Hamilton is a 6'5 versatile prospect that can play and defend multiple positions on the court. His ability to be another ball-handler, using his length to score over defenders, penetrate the lane or step out with his shot, the sophomore showed a lot about his game and is pegged as one to watch down the road.
