As Coach K watches, U-School rolls by Westminster Academy

DAVIE — University School wasted little time in flexing its muscle in a clash of defending state champions on Thursday night.

With Duke University coach Mike Krzyzewski looking on from the stands, junior forward Scottie Barnes scored 29 points and dished out 14 assists, while recent Duke commit Vernon Carey Jr. had 24 points and seven rebounds as the Sharks downed Westminster Academy 87-66 at the Rick Case Arena at Nova Southeastern University.

Barnes had two of his three 3-pointers in the first quarter as the Sharks jumped out to a 20-6 lead and were never threatened in a game billed as the South Florida Showdown. The defending Class 5A state champion Sharks (5-0) went wire to wire.

“We knew they were going to come out hard, so we had to match their intensity,” Barnes said. “We wanted to hit them in the mouth first and extend our lead.

“I just allowed myself to be in the right positions to score and make great plays off the ball, and on the ball,” Barnes added. “Vernon being there, just his presence, means they are going to have to watch both of us on the court. I felt great [tonight]. Coming into the game, my legs weren’t really there, but after I made a couple of shots, my legs felt very energized.”

“We just picked up the intensity on the defensive end,” Carey Jr. said.

The closest Westminster Academy, the twotime defending Class 4A champions, could get was 48-41 with 3:34 left in the third on a 3-pointer by senior Chase Johnson, who finished with 22 points. All seven of his baskets were 3-pointers and he had six in the third quarter.

Lions coach Ehren Wallhoff said his team struggled to match the early pace set by University School.

“They just got off to a hot start,” Wallhoff said. “Scottie hit three of his first four threes and then Vernon came in and hit a couple of threes himself… we came out a little cold. Normally we shoot a lot better.”

Senior guard Sam Griffin also had 22 points for the Lions, including three 3-pointers. Westminster Academy struck for 10 3-pointers in the game, nine in the second half.

Junior guard Roger McFarlane had 11 points, while Jett Howard had 10 points for the Sharks.

“We are getting better,” said University School coach Jim Carr. “We are very deep. Scottie Barnes had a huge game and Vernon Carey just finished everything.”