By Temwa Chisanga and Boots Giblin (photo courtesy of Hunter Barberis)
With a fair share of nail biting games that game down to the wire and heartbreaking upsets, the Sweet Sixteen of the Capitol Hoops Summer League Playoffs featured exciting basketball throughout the day. Stay tuned for more thrilling action takes place as the Playoffs continue.
Mt. Zion vs. Tenley Tigers (Jackson Reed)
The #5 seeded Tenley Tigers ofJackson Reed took care of business in their 69-60 victory over #12 Mt. Zion. The two headed monster of Lucas Sekasi and Jayden Fort led the Tigers combining for 38 points and 16 rebounds while also standing out in other aspects of the game.
~TC
Grace Brethren vs. Alexandria City
Grace Brethren edged out Alexandria City with a balanced scoring attack, and key plays on both ends of the floor to take home the victory, 78-75. Although the Titans lost, Honorable Mention All-Met guard Kye Robinson tallied 37 points in this contest. Grace Brethren continues to show fans they can win in different fashions and that their transition play and dribble penetration will be difficult for any team to stop, as they scored 56 of their 78 points from the paint area or the free throw line to earn the three point victory.
~BG
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes vs McNamara
Entering the game missing three of their leading scorers, #4 McNamara was defeated by #13 St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes 75-47. Thanks in large part to an outstanding two way effort by ‘25 guard Cortlin Siska and other key contributors, SSSA was able to dominate every aspect of the game from start to finish.
~TC
Vikes (Whitman) vs. Riverdale Baptist
Riverdale Baptist dominated the glass, and their fast paced style of play helped them secure the 70-59 win against the Vikes (Whitman).
Ashley Sims used his 6’7” frame to bully the much smaller Vikes team as he recorded 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists on the day.
The Vikes who live and die by the three point shot were going to shoot at an even higher clip today if they wanted to keep up with Riverdale Baptist potent attack in the post, as their troubles beyond the arc led to the double digit win for Riverdale Baptist.
~BG
Spalding vs. DeMatha
In the most thrilling game of the round, Dematha beat Spalding 60-59 in a nail biter that came down to the last second. While Spalding took control for most of the second half thanks to a great team rebounding performance and ‘25 forward Malik Washington, an inbound with 0.7 seconds remaining was enough time for Cole Bowser of Dematha to score a buzzer beater and help his squad escape a second round exit.
~TC
Forest Park vs Brandywine Boyz (Gwynn Park)
The duo of DeMarcus Daniels and Ty Bevins was too much for Forest Park who was outmatched in every way, as Gwynn Park took home the W in dominating fashion, 93-54.
Gwynn Park scored in every facet of the game as they shot nearly 50% from three, and had 16 points off of turnovers and 16 fast break points.
Shooting 60% from the field in the second half coupled with a fatigued Forest Park team from their emotional win last night, Gwynn park extended their 16 – point halftime lead to nearly 40.
~BG
Patriot vs Bullis
While the score may say otherwise, #1 Bullis’ 65-56 victory over #17 Patriot did not come easy. Thanks to ‘25 guard Tey Barbour, Patriot was able to remain in control for majority of the game. It was the second half where Bullis began to look alive, going on an 11-4 run and denying Patriot any opportunities to get back into the game.
~TC
Fairfax Christian vs Cadets (Frederick)
Missing their second leading scorer and anchor of the defense, Elijah Adegbenro, Fairfax Christian struggled to find a rhythm offensively and in the transition game, as the Cadets (Hoyas) took home the victory, 63-49.
~BG