Master’s, CFCA get big wins
Senior guard hit the big shots as The Master’s Academy pulled off a 73-64 home-court upset against Edgewater Saturday afternoon at the Kaylin High Master’s Classic.
Two key 3-point shots by French gave Master’s (11-6) just enough to win against an Eagles team that was 13-3 and ranked No 5 in the Sentinel Super 16. The loss was Edgewater’s first against a Florida foe.
After a missed layup with under 30 seconds to go in the third quarter, the ball made its way out to an open French in the left corner and he calmly stepped into his shot, turning what looked like a squandered opportunity at the rim into a momentum-stealing score.
“I saw the ball coming to me and I knew I had enough room to get it off,” said French. “Those are my shots that I need to hit for my team.”
French came up with another timely three in the opening minute of the fourth quarter, this time from the right corner to give Master’s a lead it would not relinquish.
Lake Highland Prep (13-6) outlasted Central Florida Christian Academy 74-67 in overtime after senior guard calmly made three clutch free throws.
CFCA (13-3) sophomore made a 3-point shot to tie the game and then another for a 63-60 lead with 10 seconds remaining in regulation. Honor, who led all scorers with 28 points, streaked to the other end with the ball and was fouled in the act of shooting from beyond the arc.
Honor would continue to lead the Highlanders (13-6) from the foul line in the extra period, making four from the strip to put the game out of reach.
In other action, The First Academy (12-8) connected on seven 3-pointers in the first half of a 59-53 win over Hagerty (8-7).
Super 16 No. 2 Leesburg (17-1) had five players score in double figures and handled Windermere Prep 93-62.
Orlando Christian Prep used a 9-0 run to break a late third quarter tie and separate itself from Miami Christian in a 68-56 victory over Miami Christian in a duel of defending state champions in the Wally Keller Classic at Punta Gorda Charlotte.
A steal and slam by senior gave OCP (11-8) its biggest lead at 57-44. Little finished with 19 points and
added 17 in the victory. OCP was the 3A state champ and Miami Christian the 2A state titlist last season.
In another machup of 2016-17 title programs, national No. 3 University School (20-1) of Fort Lauderdale had to come from behind to win 66-62 against Kissimmee Osceola (15-5). scored 26 points for the Kowboys, who led by 12 at the half. Osceola’s 6-9 sat out, serving the final game of an FHSAA suspension for a December ejection.
Oak Ridge routed Tampa Prep 81-45 in the ARS National Hoopfest event at Tampa Berkeley Prep. had 17 points and 15 for the Pioneers (17-3), who are top-ranked in Class 9A and sit atop the Sentinel Super 16 area rankings for playoff-eligible teams.
National No. 1 Montverde Academy improved to 25-0 with a 62-25 romp past host Berkeley Prep. The Eagles led 43-14 at the half and 57-17 through three quarters.
In an earlier game, IMG Academy of Bradenton won 65-47 against West Oaks Academy (16-4) in a matchup of Sunshine Independent Athletic Association teams.