Photo: Bradley Steiner (IG)
By: Kyle Alexander
Three weeks into Summer League and teams are starting to hit their stride. With teams beginning to take form, Spalding is operating on all sides, cruising to a 5-1 start.
Spalding’s only loss was a 72-70 overtime nailbiter to Bullis in their second outing. Since then, they’ve won four straight to jump up to the number eight spot in the rankings. After a 23-9 winter season, the seniors are leading the charge for Spalding in the Summer League.
Senior guard Elijah Barrett leads the scoring attack with 16 points per game on 57/40/80 shooting splits. Barrett can attack the rim with his athleticism or create space for a jump shot with his quickness. Along with Barrett, senior guards Moe Lonergan and Colt Busse anchor the scoring too, both averaging 9.8 and 9.3 points per game due to exceptional shooting. Lonergan is shooting 56.5 percent from three-point range, which leads the team. Meanwhile, Busse is shooting 46.2 percent, ranking him third on the team. Their elite perimeter play stands out, but their defense and gritty play is what also separates them.
Junior Forward Braxton Bogard leads the team with 4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game while also getting 1 steal per game. Bogard anchors the paint, but senior guard Kam Carter locks up the perimeter, averaging 2.2 steals per game as well as dropping 3.6 assists per game to help facilitate the offense. Barrett and Busse are defending on the other end as well, both averaging 1.3 steals per game. With lethal scoring and aggressive defense, senior guard TJ Moultrie helps to navigate the offense while providing a defensive boost.
Moultrie averages 8.2 points per game on 47.7 percent shooting from the field while also being 100 percent from the free throw line. Aside from providing steady shooting, Moultrie creates scoring opportunities for the team, leading them with 3.8 assists per game. He’s also second with 3.8 rebounds per game along with 1 steal per game.
With these key pieces coming together in the Summer League, Spalding is operating like a well-oiled machine. With the playoffs looming, Spalding will look to continue with the current formula to finish within the top of the rankings.