Top Performances from the Jim Clark Classic

Top Performances from the Jim Clark Classic By Luke Zbynski 1/4/22 2:00 PM EST From December 27-29, Bishop Moore Catholic High School hosted the Jim Clark Classic. The 8-team event featured a number of the the top teams and top players from the Orlando and surrounding area. Here are some individual players that performed well at the Jim Clark Classic.   <img class="alignleft wp-image-371726 " src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/01/Brasko-scaled-e1641238482729-258x300.jpg" alt="" width="166" height="193" />[player_tooltip player_id="247238" first="Alyssa" last="Brasko"] (Bishop Moore) - Class of 2023 6’0” PF Brasko, who received 1st Team All-Tournament, helped the Hornets win the championship by playing consistent throughout the event. A lefty that can score in all three levels, regularly knocked down clutch three balls. Brasko was able to finish at the rim using a variety of moves and rebounded the ball very well.   Alexandra Merceron (Bishop Moore) - Class of 2023 5’9” F Merceron, who received the MVP of the Jim Clark Classic, showed why she was the top player at the event. Throughout the event, she played a high level of defense, shutting down the opposing teams top player. Merceron was able to score at the rim and was also a threat on the perimeter. In addition to leading her team in scoring, she also ran the point guard position, getting her teammates involved in the game, by distributing the ball to them in scoring positions and averaging 5+ assists per game.   <img class="wp-image-371727 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/01/Marsh-Lake-Howell-scaled-e1641238633570-249x300.jpg" alt="" width="194" height="234" />[player_tooltip player_id="248843" first="Mireya" last="Marsh"] (Lake Howell) - Class of 2022 6’0” PF Marsh also received 1st Team All-Tournament honors due to her steady play throughout the event. Marsh was all over the court over the three days playing quality defense by blocking shots, getting steals and forcing tough shots. Marsh can score at all three levels but excels in the mid-range near the high post.     <img class="alignleft wp-image-371728 " src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/01/Mantilla-Bishop-Moore-scaled-e1641238719971-234x300.jpg" alt="" width="186" height="239" />[player_tooltip player_id="248337" first="Danigzy" last="Mantilla"] (St. Cloud) - Class of 2024 5’4” PG Mantilla aka “Ziggy” played like an upper class-man throughout the event. She led her teams a true point guard should, while also keeping the team in games with a smooth outside jump shot and feathery tear drop floaters in the lane. Mantilla was aggressive and fearless, consistently attacking the paint and getting to the rim. She is an extremely smart defensive player, and was able to read the opposition and get into the passing lanes to intercept several passes for steals.   <img class="alignright wp-image-371729 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/01/Preston-Seminole-scaled-e1641238979720-296x300.jpg" alt="" width="296" height="300" />Cheyenne Preston (Seminole) - Class of 2024 5’8” SG Preston played with a high energy level that propelled the Noles to several victories in the 3-day event. Preston consistently attacked the basket, which resulted in her getting to the free throw line often. She is a quick and agile defender that put ball pressure on opposing teams guards, and was able to convert several possessions into turnovers, creating offense from her defense.     M’lani Vitela (Oviedo HS) - Class of 2023 5’5” PG Vitela was the leading scorer for the Lions throughout the event. Vitela displayed a smooth jump shot, by knocking down mid-range and three-point shots during the Jim Clark Classic. In addition to her strong perimeter game, Vitela was also able to attack the basket and finish at a high percentage at the rim.   <img class="alignleft wp-image-371730 " src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/01/Hunt-East-Ridge-scaled-e1641239019258-253x300.jpg" alt="" width="194" height="230" />Hailey Hunt (East Ridge) - Class of 2024 5’5” PG Hunt is a smooth Point Guard, with a strong a frame. Her strong build helps her finish at the goal through the contact. Not just a penetrator, Hunt was able to hit the jumper off the dribble with consistency. She is a versatile guard who also has strong handles and some nice dribbling moves in her repertoire. I look forward to seeing her development over the next few years.   <img class="alignright wp-image-371731 " src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/01/Pimentel-Poinciana-scaled-e1641239223620-233x300.jpg" alt="" width="149" height="193" />Ivanis Pimentel (Poinciana HS) - Class of 2022 5’4” PG Pimental is a crafty point guard that played effortlessly and with poise. She knocked down perimeter shots at a high percentage from both three and two. With defenses having to respect her perimeter shooting, she then took advantage of opportunities when players closed her out strong and get to the basket for several easy scores at the rim.   Luke Zbynski is a new writer for Prep Girls Hoops in Central Florida area. For any story ideas or information, you can contact Luke by email at <a href="mailto:zbynskiprephoops@gmail.com">zbynskiprephoops@gmail.com</a>.