DAY 2 GAME 2 OF HOOPHALL EAST PRESENTED BY SLAM DUNK TO THE BEACH
BERGEN CATHOLIC (NJ) VS. NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (MD)
In one of the closest games of the showcase, Bergen Catholic and National Christian Academy provided a true show for fans from start to finish.
Prior to the matchup, all eyes were on the big names, mainly Will Richardson and Julian Brown from Bergen Catholic. The duo have been electrifying New Jersey gyms in recent contests, scoring the vast majority of points for the Crusaders. Richardson was recruited by several low-mid level D1 programs, but is ultimately headed to Fordham next year to suit up for the Rams. Brown is also set to head into the Big Apple for college, as he awaits his opportunity with the Wagner Seahawks. Both guards had a reputation for moving the ball quickly down the floor, and their action in Lewes proved to be similar.
On the other side of the floor, National Christian Academy entered the showcase with several players of interest, including Tekao Carpenter, and Isaiah Coleman. Coleman’s basketball skills were hyped well before the opening tip. The number 2 ranked prospect in Maryland, Coleman’s lanky frame, along with his pure skill-based shot creation intrigued scouts and spectators alike for the game. The Junior boasted a number of offers prior to playing at the showcase, including Miami, Marquette, Georgetown and Louisville among others.
THE GAME.
Bergen Catholic opened the game with solid scoring on the interior, namely from Terry Copeland, and Elias Espinosa. But the Eagles began to claw back in, with a string of baskets set up from Point Guard Rob Lawson. Despite a poor shooting performance early on in the contest, Isaiah Coleman continued to play a part in the NCA offense, putting up frequent shot opportunites inside of 15 feet.
National Christian Academy’s offense likely would’ve been totally dominated early on, if not for Moussa Ngom. The Senior Forward rangled down 4 rebounds in the opening 3 minutes of the contest, finishing with 16 in total along with 10 points.
The Eagles eventually took the lead later on in the battle, on a solid 3rd quarter run, which included a deep three from Tekao Carpenter.
But the Crusaders saw their dynamic duo come alive. After a quiet first half, Richardson and Brown began piling up points, with Brown adding a few wing triples later on to secure a narrow win for Bergen.
Overall + Assessing Talent
The game was arguably one of the most exciting of the entire showcase. In your face defense was everywhere, with players like Jaden French, Moussa Ngom and Brandon Benjamin proving to the some of the best defenders on the floor. Elijah Flurnoy and Terry Copeland were bonafide rim-protectors for the Crusaders.
Admittedly, and this is bias, but scouts have a lot to be impressed with regarding the stars in this contest.
Will Richardson plays with a true motor. His ability to isolate and create opportunities along the wing was special, and though his shots didn’t drop early on, he continued to put good looks up, and crash the boards.
Brown became a 2-way force in the second half when his shots began to fall. On the otherside of the rock, the senior was quick to pick up at half court, and never showed fatigue. He forced a number of difficult shot chances throughout the 4 quarters.
Isaiah Coleman was one of my favorite players at the entire showcase. His ability to create distance and establish himself in the post made him a true stretch forward tor the Eagles. His fadeway jumper inside of 10-15 feet is next level.
Carpenter demonstrated himself as an integral force to the NCA offense. His ability to dribble drive made it hard for teams to face-guard him, and his long range shooting made this contest as close as it was.
Rob Lawson was an unsung hero for the Eagles. He was a true facilitator, setting up the offense for NCA prior to their attack on a number of plays.
