Second game on the day, DME National took on Winston Salem Christian National, as here was talent to be found everywhere you look. Winston Salem Christian came out strong in the first few minutes, but DME started to settle down, share the ball well, and knock down shots from outside. WS Christian looked to use their size but it was the forwards of DME that was able to stretch the floor and make plays, which allowed them to hold a narrow first quarter lead. Second quarter started to heat up even more between the two teams, getting up in transition, being more physical, and the energy level only increased.
DME had a very good second quarter, sharing the ball well, handling the pressure from WS Christian well, and scoring inside and out. They battled well on the boards and made it tough for WS Christian to score in the paint, as DME took a 39-28 halftime lead. Nathan Ojukwu led the way with 12 first-half points for DME, while Kobe George had 9 points for WS Christian.
The second half got underway and Winston Salem Christian looked to make some adjustments on both ends to get back in the game. They looked to pick up the energy on both sides of the ball, look to create havoc defensively and attack more. DME was able to withstand that early on to maintain their double-digit lead. But WS Christian continued to make plays and cut into the lead. In the fourth quarter, they were right there just down a few points but early on, every time WS Christian go closer, DME would have a strong answer back to stay ahead.
Winston Salem Christian was able to get it down to two points late in the fourth quarter but DME continued to have an answer and made some key defensive stops. It was a tight battle at the end but DME came away with the 63-59 victory.
Final: DME National 63 – Winston Salem Christian National 59
DME: Nathan Ojukwu 21points/ Petras Padegimas 13/ Maor Nekrashevich 10
WS Christian: Kobe George 17 points/ Isaiah Washington 10/ Lewis Walker 12
Standouts:
2023 Nathan Ojukwu (DME): The 6’6 prospect had a very strong showing in this game, coming out early and showing that he has more to his game than just his athleticism. He was active, competed on both ends, and was able to show his perimeter game early but then reminded everyone on multiple occasions of his ability to finish strong at the rim.
2024 Kobe George (WS Christian): When his team was struggling to find success in the first half, George was the consistent threat offensively and defensively, and he stepped up in key situations in the second half to ultimately lead his team. With his strong body, he is able to create and get downhill, embrace contact or get to the line, but also knocked down shots from outside. Love his vocal leadership and is like a second coach on the court.
2023 Petras Padegimas (DME): The UCF commit is an intriguing prospect to watch. He has great size for his position at 6’8 and displayed the ability to be effective in multiple situations. Not only did he show that he can pop out to the corner and knock down shots from three, stretching the defense, but he also battled extremely well down low. You have to respect his outside shot, but he can also put on the deck to get to the basket, has explosive athleticism to score at the rim, and battles in the paint and on the boards. Runs the floor well also.