From the Sideline
Palmetto Classic
Ben Lippen vs Freedom Christian
Day 3 at the Palmetto Classic is here and with it we have 6 more games on tap. Game 1 on the day puts the hosting Ben Lippen Falcons up against Freedom Christian. Both teams have had a rough go of it in this event going 0-2 over the last 2 days but they could wrap up the event on a high note with a win on day 3. Would Lippen's guard play be enough to overcome Milos Stajcic and the rest of the size Freedom brings' The way they have played in this event gives them a fighting chance every time they take the floor, so this promised to be a good one to start off day 3.
Both teams came out looking to run and gave us a tight first quarter. Lippen's guards forced the pace while Freedom's athletes kept pace and took a 1 point lead into the 2nd quarter. Lippen would take a 2 point lead (30-28) in at the break as neither team could find a way to get separation from the other. We got more of the same in the 2nd half as both teams went back and forth deep into the game. Freedom would get 2 big buckets late from Manrique Alvarado got the lead to 4 for Freedom and they would hold out to the buzzer to get the win. Final in this one is 64-55 Freedom.
Players of note:
Ben Lippen:
Javian Bellamy, 6'1 2018 G ' 3 days, 3 great games for the talented unsigned guard. Hard to see how he has not been locked up for next year. Great motor and competitor. (26p/2r)
Ryan McCray, 5'11, 2018 G ' Cat-quick guard prospect is a blur on the floor. Has that 'by-you' speed few have. Love his floater. If he can mix in the pull-up jumper even better. (17p/4r/4a)
Will Cureton, 6'4 2018 F ' Senior player plays like a senior should. Not going to wow you on the floor but will give you sound play and consistent production game after game. Nice showing this tournament. (10p/8r)
Miles Ray, 6'4 2019 G ' Long athlete with some explosion off the wing. Quiet production goes unnoticed. (16p/8r/4 blocks)
Manrique Alvarado, 5'11 2020 G ' Nice looking guard has another solid game here. Only going to get better with time. Plays on the national 17u team for Costa Rica. (20p/5r/1a)
