It was a good day to see standout individual performances though, as quite a few players rose up and had big time games on the iS8 stage. Here is a recap of the day's action.
The Rens (Artie) decimate NJ Trailblazers 77-56
This game, like many of the games on Sunday, was over by the end of the 1st quarter. Ryan Murphy (Fairfield Prep, CT '16) set the pace in the early going, as the new point guard for The Rens was in control making effective passes in transition, while also burying a pair of threes. Travis Atson (Christ the King '15) was the main beneficiary in the opening quarter of Murphy's passes, breaking out and getting the ball down the floor, finishing with 2 big throwdowns. The duo combined for 23 first quarter points as The Rens jumped out to a 15 point lead.
It only got worse in the 2nd quarter as Adonis Delarosa (Christ the King '14) and Rawle Alkins (Christ the King '16) joined the offensive barrage, with Alkins showing a nice ability to step out and consistently connect on the long range jumper, and Delarosa as well adding versatility into his game, putting the ball on the floor and attacking the rim, which with his 6'10" frame, makes him even more dangerous if he can effectively do that in big game situations.
One of the lone bright spots for the Trailblazers was Hassan Burke (St. Benedict's Prep, NJ '14). The 6'3"' guard was the one player for the Jersey squad who seemed to not be rattled by the defense of The Rens, as he was able to get out and finish in the open floor, plus he was an effective shooter from the outside. His game though was not able to match the intensity and effectiveness that The Rens played with as they went up 49-25 at the half, and never looked back. Pulling their key players for much of the 4th quarter as they eased home for the win.
Atson led The Rens once again with 25 points, adding another solid effort to his statement making tournament thus far. Murphy, who was playing his first event with The Rens added 15 points, and a handful of assists, while Alkins had 13 points, 9 of which came in the 2nd quarter. - See more at:
http://nychoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1561506#sthash.Yvc0S40f.dpuf
