Connecticut Recruiting, Matt Whitfield, Villanova Recruiting, West Virginia Recruiting

ST. PATRICK’S-PENNSBURY GAME REPORT

by Matt Whitfield

The Hoop Group Showcase Challenge Series moved to Rider University in Lawrenceville (NJ) on Sunday for a pair of games, highlighted by St. Patrick’s of Elizabeth (NJ) taking on Pennsbury (PA) High School.

It has been a busy week for St. Patrick’s, who demolished previously unbeaten and New Jersey’s #1 ranked team St. Benedict’s, 88-62, on Wednesday and followed it up on Thursday with a win over the Hun School. Playing in back to back games, however, took its toll as their star, North Carolina-bound Dexter Strickland, was injured against Hun on a hard foul. Sunday, without Strickland, St. Patrick’s was in for a real test as they battled top-ranked Pennsylvania program Pennsbury High School in what turned out to be a low scoring defensive battle.

The game was the defition of a defensive struggle with St. Pat’s holding a 20-11 lead at the half and then extended the lead to 27-16 heading into the fourth quarter.

St. Patrick’s saw all their momentum dwindle away in the final quarter. West Virginia-bound Dalton Pepper, who’s shot was relatively cold all night, made two three-point shots early on in this quarter pulling Pennsbury within six. Dante Devine really gave Pennsbury fans a reason to be loud when he made the score 33-29 after an old-fashoned three-point play with a hook shot and free throw after being fouled on the shot.

The Pennsbury surge continued Jesses Krasna hit a three-point shot with just under a minute left to put the game within one, 35-34. Sadly for Pennsbury fans, this was as close as the game got. Pepper had what many fans thought was going to be the game tying layup with 10 seconds left however, Pepper’s attempt rimmed out and St. Patrick’s got the rebound and iced the game with two made free throws by Kevin Boyle. St. Patrick won this one by a final of 39-35.

Junior Kyrie Irving and senior Paris Bennett led St. Patrick’s on the day as they finished with 15, and 12 points respectively. Highly touted sophomore Michael Gilchrist, in addition to having a great day on defense, also added 10 points for the winners.

Dalton Pepper led losing Pennsbury with 16.

Coaching staffs from Connecticut, Villanova, Penn and St. Joe’s were spotted in the crowd.

Player Notes & Evaluations:

Dalton Pepper
Looks to be the strongest looking player on the court. Had real tough time early on with defenders in his face. Great court sense and countless times he saved plays or created offensive opportunities through great hustle and vision. Adequate handle, however tough defense really threw him off his game. While Pepper didn’t play bad, shots just weren’t falling for him today. Missed game tying layup attempt with 10 seconds left in the game. Finished with 16 points, 12 of which came in the second half.

Kyrie Irving
Great in transition, can score and get right back on defense or vice versa. This usually driving PG, didn’t drive nearly as much this game due to air tight Pennsbury defense. However defenders seldom beat this speedy junior. Great blazing handle, yet shots were not falling tonight like they were Wednesday against St. Benedict’s. Had 15 points in the win.

Following the game, Irving stated to NBE that he had received offers from every Big East school with the exception of South Florida and Louisville.

Michael Gilchrist
Really slowed Pennsbury’s best player Dalton Pepper early on holding him to 2 points in the first quarter. Countless times forced him to take bad shots or pass the ball off. Does not play or look like a sophomore on the hardwood. Good at rebounding in traffic, probably the best rebounder in the game. Seems to be always within hands length of the players he’s guarding. Despite a loud and vocal anti-St. Patrick’s crowd, Gilchrist sunk two free throws at the 56.7 mark to put his team up three. Finished with 10 points in the day’s win.

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