By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer

CORAL SPRINGS – First year Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas girls’ basketball coach Brandon Stewart will be the first to admit his team is a work in progress.

At the completion of the 35^th annual Kreul Basketball Classic, following a 70-55 loss to River Ridge (Ga.), in the Gatorade Series, this program realized that one defeat doesn’t shape the outcome of a long season.

Every team, in my opinion, has adversity whether we can see it or not,” said Stewart. “Our progress as I see it is our chemistry. What we are building is important to me. The season is bigger than one game. We’re getting prepared for what’s ahead of us.”

In the last two seasons combined, the Raiders lost 17 games but went on to win state championships. They got there by playing one of toughest schedules possible.

St. Thomas Aquinas (6-6) has been playing without perhaps the team’s best player in 5’10 senior forward Nyla McFadden, who was nursing a left foot injury.

Freshman guard London Thomas scored 57 total points in the three games played at the Kreul. Ronneisha Thomas had 45 points in the two losses, including 28 in the loss on Monday.

Both St. Thomas girls were named to the All-Tournament Team. The senior heavy Raiders’ team last year defeated River Ridge 82-81 in double overtime.

Sophia Pearl and Makayla Roberson each had 15 points in the Knights (12-1) victory.

RIVER RIDGE (GA) 70, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 55

RR (12-1): Pearl 4-6-15, Cantey, Roberson 6-0-15, Parker 5-3-14, Cleveland 6-1-13, Tchambe 1-0-2.  

STA (6-6): R. Thomas 6-5-17, L. Thomas 10-5-28, Mori 1-0-2, Blair 4-0-8.

3-Pointers: Pearl, Roberson 3, Parker, L. Thomas 3. Half: RR 37-22.

DORAL ACADEMY 63, KELL (GA) 61: Victoria Valle and Stephanie Vega each scored 18 points to lead the Firebirds (11-2), who overcame an 18-point third quarter deficit for the victory.

Junior guard Ashley Martinez had five 3-pointers for 15 points.

The Longhorns (9-5) were led by Kennedy Deese (27 points) and Asiah Thomas (13 points).

DA (11-2): Velasco 0-1-1, Valle 4-6-18, Figueroa 1-0-2, Myers 2-1-5, Yost 2-0-4, Martinez 5-0-15, Vega 6-6-18.

K (9-5): Thompson 6-1-13, Gilbert 2-0-5, Moss 2-1-6, Watson 2-4-8, Johnson 1-0-2, Deese 13-1-27.

3-Pointers: Valle 4, Martinez 5, Gilbert, Moss. Half: K 34-30.

HOLY INNOCENTS (GA) 66, PAUL VI (VA) 60: Senior guard Hailee Swain, the No. 1 ranked player in Georgia, scored a game-high 21 points to lead the Golden Bears (9-2).

Sophomore Nokhai Worthy added 13 points.

Junior forward Demi Gilliam scored 14 and Amaya Ramey added 14 for the Panthers (7-2).

HI (9-2): Swain 8-5-21, Gluesing 1-0-2, McMasters 2-6-11, Makayla Weaver 1-0-2, Worthy 4-5-13, Branch 5-1-11, Murray 2-2-6.

PVI (7-2): T. Williams 3-0-6, L. Williams 2-2-7, Miller 0-1-1, Gilliam 4-6-14, Gardner 2-0-4, Hamburger 4-3-12, Ramey 5-0-14, Abraham 1-0-2.

Holy Innocents: 12, 16, 22, 16, - 66. 

Paul VI: 20, 11, 14, 15, - 60.

3-Pointers: McMasters, L Williams, Hamburger, Ramey 4. Half: PVI 31-28.

SACRED HEART (KY) 71, THE GALLOWAY SCHOOL (GA) 51: Senior ZaKiyah Johnson scored a game-high 33 points, the second most of the tournament, to lead the Valkyries (7-2).

Junior guard Brianna Wilkins added 17 points.

Junior guard Taryn Thompson dropped 31 points for the Scots (6-5).

SH (7-2): Jordan 6-1-13, Johnson 13-4-33, Wilkins 6-4-17, Osting 1-0-2, Frey 3-0-6.

TGS (6-5): P. Diaz-Williams 1-0-3, E. Diaz-Williams 1-0-2, Thompson 12-2-31, Abdur-Rahim 3-1-7, Knott 1-0-2, Louis-Pierre 0-1-1, Stokes 2-1-5.  

3-Pointers: Johnson 3, Wilkins, P. Diaz-Williams, Thompson 5. Half: GALL 29-27.

AMERICAN HERITAGE 42, TAMPA CATHOLIC 35: Senior forward Dezuray McGill led the Patriots (8-4) with 18 points in the final game of the 2024 Kreul Classic.

Ashley Know and Khalia Woodley combined for 17 points for the Crusaders (7-5).

AH (8-4): Clark 3-1-7, Smith 1-0-2, Wang 1-0-2, McGill 7-4-18, Thomas 1-0-2, Caratini 2-1-5, Green 2-2-6.

TC (7-5): Green 1-0-2, Butzsky 0-2-2, Knox 4-0-9, Boone 2-1-5, Higgins 1-2-4, Woodley 3-0-8, Arthur 1-0-2, Peron 1-1-3. 

3-Pointers: Knox, Woodley 2. Half: AH 18-14.

RECAPPING THE 2024 KREUL TOURNAMENT

DAY 1 - https://larryblustein.com/spotlights/st-thomas-aquinas-rolls-in-day-1-of-the-kreul-classic

DAY 2 - https://larryblustein.com/spotlights/day-2-coral-springs-falls-to-st-andrew-s-at-kreul-classic

DAY 3 - https://larryblustein.com/spotlights/stranahan-aquinas-win-kreul-classic-boys-championships

Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer

CORAL SPRINGS – The Stranahan and St. Thomas Aquinas boys’ basketball teams each were position to win championships at the 35^th annual Kreul Classic.

The two Fort Lauderdale schools, both who’ve started the 2024-25 season very well, took different paths to achieve title hopes.

Stranahan had to lean on a needed rally to prevail past Thomas Jefferson of Brooklyn, NY.

Down 59-54 with 4:55 to play in regulation, the Dragons ended the game with a 12-0 run to win the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Bracket with a 66-59 decision.

Stranahan’s championship was the first at the Kreul since 2018.

“We’re young and still growing,” said Stranahan coach Edward Schuler. “Down the stretch we just played good defense and shared the basketball. When we got down, we told the guys there was plenty of time left and we finished.”

The Dragons (10-4) were outscored 41-28 in the middle two quarters but reversed that with a 17-7 advantage in the final quarter.

Christian Yeargin scored 17 points and Isaiah Brown added 16 points.

RAIDERS WIN BSN SPORTS TITLE

St. Thomas Aquinas, at the other end, led 34-21 over North Mecklenburg (NC)  at the half and saw their advantage shrink to four points with just over minute to play in regulation.

The Raiders (8-1) stymied the Vikings idea of a comeback, winning the BSN Sports championship 60-51.

“We expected this to be hard playing against a very good team,” said St. Thomas Aquinas coach Julius Sandi. “We knew what the task was. We use every game as a steppingstone for our goal toward a championship. We’re just trying to get better.”

Clarence Westbrook Jr. had 11 points to lead the Raiders. Drake Sandi (Tournament MVP), Kellson Sandi and Nate Accius each had 10 points.

JDCH Bracket

STRANAHAN 66, THOMAS JEFFERSON (NY) 59

S (10-4): Yeargin 6-3-17, Foster 4-3-11, Simeon 2-3-7, Martin 3-1-8, Brown 7-2-16, Nealy 3-0-7. 

TJ (7-1): Swann 8-6-22, Lewis 0-3-3, Wilson 1-2-5, Spratley 9-1-19, Morris 2-2-7, Tudor 1-0-2, Michel 0-1-1. 

3-Pointers: Yeargin 2, Martin, Nealy, Wilson, Morris. Half: STR 34-32.

WESTERN 72, LEXINGTON CATHOLIC (KY) 50: Jamari Bolden, a 6-0 junior guard scored a game-high 22 points to lead the Wildcats and finish third in the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Bracket.

Javion Lewis added 17 points and Alex Vardakis 13 points.

W (7-2): Lewis 6-5-17, Bolden 7-4-22, S. Frisby 3-0-6, Thompson 1-0-2, L. Frisby 3-1-8, Vardakis 6-0-13, Santiago 1-0-3, Fowles 0-1-1.

LC (3-3): Gambrell 1-3-5, Witajewski 1-0-3, Aaron 0-1-1, Wheeler 1-0-3, Stuart 1-0-3, Meagher 1-2-4, Pflugner 6-0-12, Woodall 9-1-19.

3-Pointers: Bolden 4, L. Frisby, Vardakis, Santiago, Witajewski, Wheeler, Stuart. Half: W 32-27.

MIAMI NORTHWESTERN 89, KELL (GA) 55: Jamiro Smith scored 21 points and Class of 2026 national football recruit Calvin Russell added 19 points to lead the Bulls (9-1) to consecutive games over 88 points.

Zack Dawson added 15 points.

Connor Staphylaris scored a team-high 16 points for the Longhorns (10-3).

MNW (9-1): Smith 6-7-21, Russel 9-0-19, Dawson 5-4-15, McKenney 1-0-2, Baker 2-0-6, Carter 3-1-8, Naverrete 2-0-6, Desire 4-2-10, Williams 1-0-2.

K (10-3): Graham 1-2-4, Staphylaris 6-1-16, Jones 1-2-4, Graves 3-7-13, Lee 3-1-8, Rouse 4-0-8.

3-Pointers: Smith 2, Russel, Dawson, Baker 2, Carter, Naverrete 2, Staphylaris 3, Lee. Half: MN 41-27

DWYER 89, HARVEST PREP (OH) 84: Junior guard Tamari Reed scored a game-high 33 points including seven 3-pointers to lead the Panthers (7-4) to the victory.

The combined 173 points between the two schools was also the largest total of this year’s Kreul Classic.

Jordan Quince added 22 points and Jermani Shuler 12 points.

As for the Warriors (3-4), they were led by Antwan Pollard with 26 points. Jamarcus Jones added 20 points.   

D (7-4): Quince 10-2-22, Shuler 4-4-12, Koronas 1-0-2, Reed 10-3-33, Brown 2-0-4, Lawrence 3-2-8. 

HP (3-4): Wharton 3-0-7, Jones 9-0-20, Sims 1-0-2, Daniels 5-0-12, Roddy 7-2-17, Pollard 7-4-26, Jackson 1-0-2.  

3-Pointers: Reed 7, Wharton, Jones 2, Sims, Daniels, Roddy, Pollard 6. Half: DWY 49-47.

BSN SPORTS CHALLENGE

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 60, NORTH MECKLENBURG (NC) 51

STA (8-1): Wimberly 2-3-8, Elliott 2-4-8, DJ Sandi 3-4-10, KJ Sandi 4-0-10, Westbrook 5-1-11, Knights 1-0-3, Accius 4-2-10.

NM (8-2): Traylor 6-2-17, Evans 2-1-5, Williams 1-0-2, Pierce 5-6-19, Young 1-2-4, Estwich 2-0-4.

3-Pointers: Wimberly, KJ Sandi, Knights, Traylor 3, Pierce 3. Half: STA 34-21.

ST FRANCIS PREP (NY) 66, PINES CHARTER 62: Senior guard Vere Anthony had a game-high 30 points to lead the Terriers (5-1) to a third-place finish of the BSN Sports Challenge.

Allen Watson and Hoo Chin combined for 25 points.

Maximo Ortega and Zemari Days each scored 18 for the Jaguars (6-4).

SFP (5-1): Desena 1-0-3, Anthony 11-6-30, Chen 3-3-12, Huggins 3-1-8, Watson 5-2-13.

PPC (6-4): Ortega 6-5-18, Trenchfield 3-0-6, Hughes 3-2-11, Days 7-1-18, Guishard 4-1-9.

3-Pointers: Desena, Anthony 2, Chen 3, Huggins, Watson, Ortega, Hughes 3, Days 3. Half: Tied 31-31.

NOTRE DAME PREP (CT) 65, GRAY COLLEGIATE (SC) 37: After dropping 21 points in a loss on Friday, senior guard Kamryn Salters followed that with 32 points in a victory to lead the Lancers (1-2).

The War Eagles (2-6) were led by junior forward Levi Ball with 22 points.

NDP (1-2): Dunlap 1-0-2, Greaves 4-1-12, White 0-3-3, Coleman 0-1-1, Charlet 3-0-6, Blake 2-0-5, Reed 1-0-2, Salters 11-4-32, Bostick 1-0-2.

GC (2-6): McDuffie 2-0-4, Arthur 1-0-2, Rowe 1-0-2, Hamlet 1-0-2, Richburg 0-2-2, Petroff 0-1-1, Ball 10-1-22, Tyler 1-0-2.

3-Pointers: Greaves 3, Blake, Salters 6, Ball. Half: NDP 24-16.

WAXAHATCHIE (TX) 66, PACE ACADEMY (GA) 62: Junior guard Michel Gatewood scored a game-high 26 points to lead the Indians (9-6) to the victory. Trae Nunn added 19 points.

Chandler Bing scored 25 and Eric Chatfield 18 in the loss for the  Knights (11-2).

W (9-6): Williams 3-0-6, Brown 3-3-11, Gatewood 6-11-26, Nunn 7-1-19, Harbert 1-2-4.

PA (11-2): Chatfield 6-2-18, Bing 10-3-25, Ferry 3-0-5, Avery 1-0-3, Dickert 1-0-2, Clark 0-1-1, Clay 3-0-6, Fountain 1-0-2

3-Pointers: Brown 2, Gatewood 3, Nunn 3, Chatfield 4, Bing 2, Ferry, Avery. Half: PA 37-31.

GATORADE SERIES (Girls)

AMERICAN HERITAGE 48, SACRED HEART (KY) 47: Junior guard Jasleen Green led all scorers with 21 points to pace the Patriots (7-4). Ta’Niyah Davis added 13 points.

Gabby DeCamillis was solid for the Valkyries (6-2) with a team-high 20 points. Morgan Frey added 13 points.

AH (7-4): Davis 4-12-13, Clark 1-1-3, Aloisio 1-1-3, McGill 4-0-8, Green 6-6-21. 

SH (6-2): Jordan 2-3-6, Smith 1-0-2, Johnson 8-3-20, Wilkins 1-2-4, Osting 1-0-2, Frey 5-3-13.

3-Pointers: Johnson, Green 3, Davis 3. Half: AH 21-19.

KELL (GA) 51, ST THOMAS AQUINAS 46: The Longhorns (9-4) used a late rally to come from behind to defeat the Raiders.

Asiah Thompson scored 11, while Sydney Moss and Kennedy Deese scored nine apiece in the win.

Ronneisha Thomas and London Thomas each scored 15 to lead the Raiders (6-5).

K (9-4): Thompson 5-1-11, Green 3-2-8, Sellers 0-1-1, Gilbert 0-1-1, Moss 3-3-9, Watson 2-2-7, Johnson 3-0-6, Deese 3-3-9

STA (6-5): R. Thomas 5-2-15, Cardoza 0-1-1, L. Thomas 2-10-15, Gilbert 3-0-6, Mori 2-0-6, Blair 0-3-3. 

3-Pointers: Watson, R Thomas 3, L Thomas, Mori. Half: K 28-27.

PAUL VI (VA) 63, MIAMI COUNTRY DAY 53: Demi Gilliam scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Panthers (7-1) to the victory.

Freshman guard Arianna Robinson led the Spartans (6-4) with 16 points.

PVI (7-1): T. Williams 2-4-8, L. Williams 2-2-7, Gilliam 10-4-24, Hamburger 1-7-9, Ramey 3-1-8, Abraham 3-1-7.

MCD (6-4): Robinson 7-1-16, Edge 1-3-5, Ellis 2-0-6, Luis 2-3-7, Belton 1-0-2, Deal 3-2-8, Hill 3-0-9. 

3-Pointers: L Williams, Ramey, Robinson, Ellis 2, Hill 3. Half: PVI 31-30.

DORAL ACADEMY 65, TAMPA CATHOLIC 49: Victoria Valle led four players in double figures with a game-high 21 points for the Firebirds (10-2).

Ashley Martinez added 17 points. Valle and Martinez also combined for 10 3-pointers.

Khalia Woodley led the Crusaders with 18 points. Ashley Knox added 15 points.

DA (10-2): Valle 6-4-21, Myers 5-1-11, Yost 1-0-2, Martinez 6-0-17, Vega 6-2-14.

TC (7-4): Green 0-1-1, Butsky 1-0-2, Grimsley 3-0-7, Knox 7-0-15, Boone 2-0-4, Woodley 6-0-18, Arthur 1-0-2.

3-Pointers: Valle 5, Martinez 5, Grimsley, Knox, Woodley 6. Half: DA 33-24.

GRANDVIEW PREP 63, LAKE HIGHLAND PREP 56: Senior guard Lena Girardi scored 35 points to lead the Pride (9-3) to an impressive victory. Her 35 points was also the most by a female player at the Kreul this year.

Myanna Hatchette led the Highlanders (7-4) with 21 points.

GVP (9-3): Girardi 13-5-35, Greyvensteyn 3-0-8, Price 3-0-8, Burns 2-0-4, Crooks 4-0-8.

LHP (7-4): Rivera 1-1-3, V. Munoz 5-0-15, Liptrot 3-1-7, Hatchette 7-2-21, Griffin 4-0-10. 

3-Pointers: Girardi 4, Greyvensteyn 2, Price 2, V. Munoz 3, Hatchette 5, Griffin 2. Half: LHP 34-32.

RIVER RIDGE (GA) 64, DR. PHILLIPS 45: Finley Parker, a 6-3, sophomore forward, scored a game-high 27 points to lead the Knights (11-1).

Sophia Pearl and Kayla Cleveland each had 10 points.

Kendall Perry led the Panthers (5-6) with 14 points, while Jamila Ray added 12 points.

RR (11-1): Pearl 2-6-10, Cantey 3-0-6, Roberson 3-1-9, Parker 10-4-27, Cleveland 4-1-10, Tchambe 0-2-2.

DP (5-6): Perry 6-2-14, Monroe 2-0-4, Ray 5-2-12, Johnson 1-0-2, Orphelia 2-2-6, Blount 0-1-1, Horne 1-4-6. 

3-Pointers: Roberson 2, Parker 3, Cleaveland. Half: RR 33-22.

HOLY INNOCENTS (Ga.) 54, NOVA 48: Senior guard Hailee Swain scored a team-high 23 points as the Golden Bears (8-2) rallied from a 10-point half time deficit for the victory.

Nakhai Worthy added 11 points and Elana McMasters 10 points.

Junior guard Jaelynn Housey scored 23 points for the Titans (8-2).

HI (8-2): Swain 7-9-23, Gluesing 1-0-2, McMasters 4-1-10, Makayla Weaver 2-0-4, Worthy 4-2-11, Murray 2-0-4.

N (7-3): Evans 4-5-13, Housey 9-4-23, Exum 1-0-2, Thompson 1-0-2, Paul 1-0-2, Tyrell 3-0-6. 

3-Pointers: McMasters, Worthy, Housey. Half: N 28-18.

GALLOWAY (GA) 61, PROVIDENCE (FL) 39: The Scots (6-4) outscored their opponent 38-17 in the first and third quarters to earn the victory.

They were led by junior guard Taryn Thompson with 18 points.

Senior guard Janie Boyd scored 12 points for the Stallions (8-2).

G (6-4): Collins 4-1-10, P. Diaz-Williamson 2-0-5, Thompson 6-5-18, Abdur-Rahim 3-3-9, Knott 1-0-3, Louis-Pierre 5-0-10, Stokes 3-0-6.

P (8-2): Jordan 1-1-4, Vogelson 1-0-2, Boyd 5-2-12, Loux 2-2-7, Davey 3-1-8, Baskin 3-0-6.  

3-Pointers: Collins, P. Diaz Williamson, Thompson, Knott, Jordan, Loux, Davey. Half: GALL 30-20.

PHOTO CAPTION: St. Thomas Aquinas coach Julius Sandi (center) talks to his team during a second half time out.

Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

KISSIMMEE – With high school boys and girls wrestling programs coming south from at least 10 states and throughout Florida, the annual Knockout Christmas Wrestling Classic did not disappoint this past weekend at the Silver Spurs Arena.

What has become an event that attracts top-flight programs and individuals showcased plenty of talent.

The college event had an opportunity to watch Florida-bred coaches Scotti Sentes (Campbell), Chris Bono (Wisconsin) and Obe Blanc (North Dakota State University) and Tim Flynn (West Virginia) who brought their teams south to get out of the cold weather and bring their teams south, showcasing major college wrestling the Sunshine State

The high school tournament was so stacked with talent that it featured nine state champions as well as 27 State Place winners and All Americans.

SOUTH FLORIDA MAKES A SOLID SHOWING

With head coach Vic Balmaceda and his South Dade Bucs finishing third (169), Miami-Dade and Broward Counties left this year’s event feeling good about what they accomplished against some of the best teams in the nation.

In addition to South Dade, Southwest Miami (144.5), Mater Lakes Academy (118.0) and Miami Southridge (111.0) were among the top 10 best.

State power Pembroke Pines Somerset (90.5), Miami Christopher Columbus (64.0) and Doral Academy (28.5) also made some noise.

Here are how local boys did in the event:

106

4th Place - Lazaro Soto of Southwest Miami

120

1st Place - Jovanni Tovar of Miami Southridge

6th Place - Rocco Ruiz of Christopher Columbus

132

3rd Place - Dillon Smith of Southwest Miami

6th Place - Christopher Greene of Mater Lakes Academy

138

2nd Place - Jovani Solis of South Dade

144

1st Place - Elvis Solis of South Dade

150

3rd Place - Tristan Sainz of Somerset

157

5th Place - Eric Hodge of Somerset

165

1st Place - Willie White of South Dade

175

4th Place - Evangelo Mercado of Southwest Miami

215

2nd Place - Myron Mendez of Southwest Miami

3rd Place - Damian Soto of Mater Lakes Academy

5th Place - Christian Soto of Miami Southridge

285

4th Place - Daguy Massillon of South Dade

The boys’ event was won by Georgia powerhouse Camden County (261.5) with Oklahoma state champion Tuttle in second with 178 points.

“Every year we raise the bar,” said longtime tournament organizer/director Rick Tribit. “Bringing in the colleges was certainly something that put this event over the top. Only wished more fans would have realized how impressive it was to have those schools here on top of all the other great wrestling we had.”

FLAGLER PALM COAST WINS GIRLS’ EVENT

Palm Coast Flagler Palm Coast took home the girls’ team title with 196 points – just ahead of South Dade (166) and North Miami (80).

100

3rd Place - Paola Perez of Mater Lakes Academy

110

2^nd Place - Abigail Gonzalez of Miami Southridge

115

2^nd Place - Beyonce Espinosa of South Dade

120

1st Place - Willow White of South Dade

2nd Place - Zoe Delgado of Florida Christian School

3rd Place - Arianna Ruiz of Mater Lakes Academy

125

1^st Place - Rachel Silva of Florida Christian School

2^nd Place - Kitelynn Oliver of South Dade

130

3^rd Place - Isis Severe of North Miami

145

4th Place - Geraldine Honore of South Dade

155

3rd Place - Alena Rik of Mater Lakes Academy

190

2^nd Place - Tessa Diaz of Doral Academy

4th Place - Joveline Joseph of North Miami

235

4th Place - Naomi Arias of Doral Academy

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

By Dave Brousseau

BCAA Writer

CORAL SPRINGS – The St. Andrew’s and Coral Springs boys’ basketball teams, capable of playing stingy defense coupled with high scoring potential faced each other in a Publix Series game on Friday.

The game was everything as expected as the Scots outlasted the Colts 76-67 at the Coral Springs Gymnasium.

The two teams combined to successfully make twenty-two 3-pointers.

“Both teams were hitting 3’s like crazy,” said St. Andrew’s coach John O’Connell. “In the second half we made a concerted effort to score inside. We’re 12-1, but I don’t like the one loss.”

Alex Montes came up big scoring 21 and Lukas Buinevicius scoring 20 as the team improved to 12-1.

Coral Springs (9-2) was led by senior guard Alex Pierre Louis with 26 points. Jahmal Henry added 17 points in the loss.

“They out toughed us at the end,” said Coral Springs coach Devin Barta. “They played harder when it counted, and they were reward with the victory for it.”

PUBLIX SERIES

ST. ANDREW’S 76, CORAL SPRINGS 67.

SA (12-1): Montes 9-1-20, Buinevicius 8-1-21, B. Gerard 4-0-10, Rojas-Bowe 2-1-5, X Gerard 4-3-12. 

CS (9-2): Robinson 4-0-11, Pierre 2-0-4, Neille 2-0-6, Henry 6-2-17, Chervin 1-1-3, Pierre-Louis 10-1-26.

3-Pointers: Montes, Buinevicius 4, B Gerard 3, X Gerard, Robinson 3, Neille 2, Henry 3, Pierre-Louis 5. Half: SA 38-36.

JDCH CHALLENGE

FORT LAUDERDALE STRANAHAN 71, LEXINGTON CATHOLIC (KY) 38: Christian Yeargin led a strong performance for the Dragons (9-4) with a team-high 19 points. David Nealy added 14 points and Esron Simeon 12 points.

Stranahan outscored the Knights 23-8 in the third quarter.

S (9-4): Yeargin 7-3-19, Delva 2-0-6, Foster 1-2-5, Simeon 5-2-12, Martin 3-1-9, Maurice 1-0-2, Brown 0-3-3, Nealy 5-1-14, Heagle 0-1-1.

LC (3-3): Warren 3-0-7, Piecore 2-3-7, Holland 0-2-2, Aaron 1-0-3, Wheeler 1-0-3, Stuart 2-0-5, Meagher 0-2-2, Woodall 3-3-9. 

3-Pointers: Warren, Aaron, Wheeler, Stuart, Yeargin 2, Delva 2, Foster, Martin 2, Nealy 3. Half: STR 40-17

KELL (GA) 66, DWYER (FL) 63: Senior guard Connor Staphylaris led all scorers as he finished with 20 points for the Longhorns (10-2).

Samari Reed was the top scorer for the Panthers (6-5) with 18 points.

K (10-2): Graham 0-2-2, Staphylaris 6-4-20, Love 5-1-12, Jones 2-0-4, Graves 5-1-12, Lee 4-0-9, Rouse 3-1-7.

D (6-5): Quince 4-8-16, Shuler 1-0-2, Koronas 1-0-2, Reed 5-6-18, Gatlin 3-2-8, Brown 2-0-4, Lawrence 4-4-13. 

3-Pointers: Staphylaris 4, Love, Graves, Lee, Reed 2, Lawrence. Half: D 36-33.

MIAMI NORTHWESTERN 88, HARVEST PREP (OH) 52: Zach Dawson had a big game with a game-high 30 points. Jamiro Smith added and Dwight Carter 12 points.

The Bulls outscored their opponent 23-6  in the final quarter.

Khalil Daniels scored 14 for the Warriors for Harvest Prep (3-3).

MNW (8-1): Smith 7-0-15, Russell 3-3-9, Dawson 13-2-30, McKenney 2-1-6, Baker 1-0-2, Carter 5-0-12, Naverrete 2-0-6, Desire 2-2-6, Rudolph 1-0-3.

HP (3-3): Wharton 3-0-6, Sims 1-0-2, Daniels 6-0-14, Roddy 5-2-12, Pollard 3-0-8, Jackson 1-0-2, Campbell 4-0-8.  

3-Pointers: Smith, Dawson, McKenney, Carter, Naverrete 2, Rudolph, Daniels 2, Pollard 2. Half: MNW 43-27.

THOMAS JEFFERSON (NY) 66, WESTERN 48: Conner Spratley scored 21 and Nyquon Morris added 16 as the Orange Wave rolled to the comfortable victory to remain unbeaten at 7-0.

The Wildcats (7-2) were led by Jamari Bolden with 10 points.

TJ (7-0): Swann 3-3-9, Harper 2-0-5, Lewis 1-6-8, Wilson 2-0-5, Spratley 8-3-21, Morris 6-0-16, Michel 1-0-2. 

W (7-2): Lewis 2-2-6, Bolden 4-0-10, Frisby 1-3-5, Thompson 2-2-8, Vardakis 2-0-5, Fowles 3-3-9, Jeffers 2-1-5.

3-Pointers: Harper, Wilson, Spratley 2, Morris 4, Bolden 2, Thompson 2, Vardakis. Half: TJ 40-25.

BSN SPORTS CHALLENGE

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 64, ST. FRANCIS PREP (NY) 55: Led by Clarence Westbrook’s 17 points and 16 points from Dwayne Wimbley, the Raiders (7-1) advanced to the championship game against North Mecklenburg (NC) on Saturday at 8:45 p.m.

Senior guard Vere Anthony scored 17 to lead the Terriers (4-1).

STA (7-1): Wimberly 7-2-16, Elliott 2-1-5, D. Sandi 3-1-7, K. Sandi 4-0-12, Westbrook 5-6-17, Accius 3-0-7. 

SFP (4-1): Anthony 6-3-17, Griffin 4-0-8, Huggins 2-0-5, Butler 5-2-12, Sacko 3-1-8, Desena 2-1-5.

3-Pointers: K Sandi 4, Westbrook, Accius, Anthony 2, Huggins, Sacko. Half: STA 33-17.

NORTH MECKLENBURG (NC) 58, PEMBROKE PINES CHARTER 45: Chadlyn Traylor scored a game-high 23 points to lead the Vikings (7-1). Ashton Pierce added 19 points.

Zemari Days and Robert Guishard each scored 10 for the Jaguars.

NM (7-1): Traylor 9-3-23, Evans 2-1-6, Williams 1-0-2, Pierce 6-3-19, Young 3-2-8.  

PPC (6-2): Walters 2-0-4, Ortega 2-4-9, Trenchfield 0-1-1, Hughes 3-1-9, Days 5-0-10, Guishard 4-2-10, Williams 1-0-2.

3-Pointers: Traylor 2, Evans, Pierce 4, Ortega, Hughes 2. Half: PC 24-23.

PACE ACADEMY (GA) 62, GRAY COLLEGIATE (SC) 59: The Knights (11-1) outscored their opponent 23-14 in the final quarter for the win.

They are led by Eric Chatfield’s 23 points and Chandler Bing with 16 points.

Levi Ball scored 15 and Tyquan McDuffie added 13 for the War Eagles (2-5).

PA (11-1): Lusakueno 2-0-5, Chatfield 9-2-23, Bing 5-5-16, Ferry 3-0-8, Avery 1-0-2, Clark 1-4-6, Fountain 1-0-2.

GC (2-5): McDuffie 4-5-13, Arthur 1-0-2, McGraw 1-4-7, Rowe 3-0-8, Britt 2-3-8, Tyler 2-2-6, Ball 6-0-15.  

3-Pointers:  Lusakueno, Chatfield 3, Bing, Ferry 2, McGraw, Rowe 2, Britt, Ball 3. Half: Tied at 28.

WAXAHACHIE (TX) 64, NOTRE DAME PREP (CT) 56: Trae Nunn, a 6-4 junior guard, led the Indians (8-6) with 24 points.

Kamryn Salters scored 21 for the Lancers (0-2).

W (8-6): Williams 2-1-5, Brown 3-0-6, Bradley 3-1-7, Gatewood 5-0-13, Jones 3-1-9, Nunn 8-5-24.

NDP (0-2): Dunlap 1-0-2, Greaves 2-2-7, White 1-2-4, Charlot 6-0-13, Reed 4-1-9, Salters 8-4-21.

3-Pointers: Gatewood 3, Jones 2, Nunn 3, Greaves, Charlot, Salters. Half: NDP 31-24.

GATORADE SERIES (Girls)

PROVIDENCE (FL) 55, SLAM MIAMI (FL) 54: In as close game throughout the Stallions (7-1) prevailed behind the 16 points from Janai Jordan. Kasey Davey added 12 points.

Jim’Miyah Branton had a game-high 24 points for the Titans (5-3).

P (7-1): Jordan 6-3-16, Boyd 2-2-7, Loux 3-2-9, Davey 3-6-12, Baskin 4-3-11. 

SLAM (5-3): Bautista 5-0-13, Rivas 1-2-5, Suber 2-0-4, Branton 11-1-24, Montalvo 2-3-8.

3-Pointers: Jordan, Boyd, Loux, Bautista 3, Rivas, Branton, Montalvo. Half: P 33-32.

LAKE HIGHLAND PREP 61, THE GALLOWAY SCHOOL (GA) 58: Valarie Munoz led the Highlanders (7-3) with a team-high 20 points. Myanna Hatchette added 14 points in the win.

Taryn Thompson scored 21 and Sophia Louis-Pierre scored 17 for the Scots (5-4).

LHP (7-3): Rivera 1-1-3, Munoz 8-0-20, Liptrot 2-4-6, Vivek 4-1-11, Hatchette 4-3-14, Griffin 3-0-7.

TGS (5-4): Collins 4-1-9, White 1-0-3, Diaz-Williamson 0-2-2, Thompson 8-4-21, Abdur-Rahim 1-0-2, Louis-Pierre 7-3-17, Stokes 2-0-4.

3-Pointers: Munoz 4, Vivek 2, Hatchette 3, Griffin, White, Thompson. Half: LHP 28-22.

RIVER RIDGE (GA) 60, AMERICAN HERITAGE (FL) 50: Senior guard Sophia Pearl had a game-high 24 points to lead the Knights (10-1). Also, in double-digits was Finely Parker with 16 points.

Sophomore Yinuo Wang led the Patriots (6-4) with 19 points.

RR (10-1): Pearl 8-5-24, Cantey 1-0-3, Roberson 3-0-7, Parker 6-1-16, Cleveland 2-4-8, Tchamabe 0-2-2.

AH (6-4): Davis 2-0-5, Clark 1-1-3, Aloisio 4-2-10, Wang 7-0-19, McGill 5-3-13.

3-Pointers: Pearl 3, Cantey, Roberson, Parker 3, Davis, Wang 5. Half: RR 28-17.

PAUL VI (VA) 63, NOVA (FL) 51: Riley Hamburger and Demi Gilliam combined for 23 points to lead the Panthers (6-1) to the victory.

Junior guard Jaelyn Housey scored a game-high 29 points for the Titans (7-2).

PVI (6-1): T. Williams 2-2-8, L. Williams 3-0-7, Miller 2-0-5, Paparello 0-1-1, Gilliam 4-3-11, Hamburger 3-4-12, Janapti 0-2-2, Ramey 6-0-16, Abraham 0-1-1.

N (7-2): Evans 5-3-13, Housey 8-13-29, Exum 1-0-3, Tyrell 3-0-6.

3-Pointers: T. Williams 2, L. Williams, Miller, Hamburger, Ramey 4, Exum. Half: PVI 28-18.

ST THOMAS AQUINAS 50, GRANDVIEW PREP 40: Freshman London Thomas had a game-high 25 points to lead the Raiders (6-4). Tyla Mori added 10 points.

Abby Price had 14 points and Lena Girardi 13 points for the Pride (8-3).

STA (6-4): R. Thomas 2-0-4, Cardoza 1-0-3, L. Thomas 7-9-25, Mori 4-0-10, Blair 3-2-8.

GVP (8-3): Girardi 5-2-13, Greyvensteyn 3-0-7, Price 5-0-14, Burns 1-0-2, Crooks 2-0-4.

3-Pointers: Cardoza, L. Thomas 2, Mori 2, Girardi, Grayvensteyn, Price 4. Half: STA 24-17.

SACRED HEART (KY) 44, DR. PHILLIPS 37: Zakiyah Johnson had 13 points and Brianna Wilkins added 10 points in the Valkyries (6-1) win.

Jamila Kay of the Panthers (5-5) led all scorers with 14 points.

SH (6-1): Jordan 0-4-4, Carson 1-0-3, Johnson 5-2-13, Wilkins 4-0-10, Osting 4-1-9, Frey 2-1-5.

DP (5-5): Perry 5-0-10, Monroe 2-0-5, Ray 6-2-14, Rolon 1-0-3, Orphelia 0-1-1, Blount 1-0-2, McKenzie 1-0-2.

3-Pointers: Carson 3, Johnson, Wilkins 2, Monroe, Rolon. Half: SH 21-15.

MIAMI COUNTRY DAY 66, KELL (GA) 32: Sophomore guard Jalynn Belton scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Spartans (6-3).

As a team the Spartans made 16 3-pointers that helped build a 41-14 lead at the half.

Kennedy Deese had 10 points for the Longhorns (8-4).

MCD (6-3): Robinson 3-2-11, Ifergan 2-0-6, Edge 3-0-7, Ellis 3-0-9, Johnson 1-0-2, Luis 2-0-4, Belton 7-0-18, Hill 2-0-6, Peltier 1-0-3.

K (8-4): Thompson 3-2-9, Green 3-0-6, Gilbert 0-1-1, Moss 1-0-2, Watson 1-2-4, Deese 3-4-10.

3-Pointers: Robinson 3, Ifergan 2, Edge, Ellis 3, Belton 4, Hill 2, Peltier, Thompson. Half: MDC 41-14.

PHOTO CAPTION: Coral Springs senior guard Alex Pierre Louis (No. 21, right) is guarded by St. Andrew's guard Diego Rojas-Bowe (No. 12, left) late in the game of the Kreul Classic on Friday.

Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
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