MLK classic standouts day 2, part 1
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I had high expectations for the MLK Classic, which did not disappoint. There were some close games that saw a lot of players showcase their ability. Here is who stood out to me. ZaKiyah Johnson KY #1 SF #1 HEIGHT…
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Continue ReadingI had high expectations for the MLK Classic, which did not disappoint. There were some close games that saw a lot of players showcase their ability. Here is who stood out to me.
Bishop McNamara and Sacred Heart played a really good game to start the day. Bishop McNamara won this game 66-60, and Sacred Heart battled back from an early deficit to make this game close. Sacred Heart Junior G/F ZaKiyah Johnson was tremendous throughout the game. She was aggressive as a driver all game and did a great job as a cutter. Her commitment to getting to the rim and not settling was why she could get to the line as much as she did. She rebounded the ball well and was active on defense. ZaKiyah finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 steals.
Madisen McDaniel had another excellent performance for Bishop McNamara. Sacred Heart had momentum in this game in the second and third quarters, and Maddy McDaniel was one of the steadying factors for McNamara. She did great at driving and finding open shooters like Princess Moody, who had a nice game herself with her shot-making. She scored from all over the court and had a great game. She was named the player of the game and impressed again.
Jaloni didn’t have as big of a scoring night against Elizabeth Seton on Saturday as she did against Bishop Ireton the day prior, but she still had an outstanding game. Jaloni’s athleticism and vision were on display all game, and she could have dominated this game without taking a shot. Jaloni finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists in a comfortable 18-point win for Montverde. Jaloni was, of course, named the player of this game and showed why she is as good as any guard in the country.
Holland Harris didn’t have a huge game statistically vs Elizabeth Seton or either game over the past few days, for that matter. But watching her play in both games, I really liked what she brought. She knocked down two threes in both games and was committed to the defensive end. Holland is highly touted and a top 50 ranked player in the nation for 2025, and she understands her new role on a new team. What she does will always translate well to the next level.
Highlights
PVI vs Mt Zion was a very low-scoring game in which Mt Zion took total control after a big PVI first quarter. PVI is a good defensive team, but with all their injuries and lack of experience, they have trouble scoring, so this game was poised to be lower-scoring. Junior Guard Makyiah Ward had a nice game and led Mt Zion in scoring with 12. She knocked down a few threes and helped spark a Mt Zion offense that had a lot of trouble scoring early. She forced a couple of turnovers and used them to get run-outs that led to easy points. Makyiah was named the player of the game.