BARRINGTON, R.I. – A trip to St. Andrew’s was in store on Friday for the first day of the St. Andrew’s Holiday Classic. From there, we have the scores, then a few quick hitters from the day’s action.
Scoreboard
Barrington (RI) St. Andrew’s 70, Avon (CT) Old Farms 59
Winchendon (MA) School 76, Chestnut Hill (MA) Brimmer & May 64
Thompson (CT) Marianapolis Prep 72, Marion (MA) Tabor Academy 48
Boston (MA) Trinity Academy 72, Trumbull (CT) Heritage Christian School 67
- A key in St. Andrew’s win to start the day was Michael Laplante (6’5″ Jr. SF, Woonsocket (RI)). Last year, Laplante looked nothing like the player who opened a lot of eyes in the spring and summer, but he’s starting to look like the Michael Laplante of old. When the Saints took over the game in the second half, Laplante was there on many plays, from rebounds to mid-range shots and transition plays.
- Laplante’s teammate, Ricardo Ledo (6’5″ So. SG-SF, Providence (RI)) was a little up and down but knocked down four three-pointers en route to 18 points.
- Avon Old Farms didn’t get a great effort from a younger player who is perhaps their best prospect, Tafari Whittingham (6’7″ So. SF-PF, Stratford (CT)), as he battled foul trouble and wasn’t very effective. Latif Rivers (6’1″ Sr. PG-SG, Elizabeth (NJ)) had the big day, scoring 28 points with six three-pointers. He’s capable of putting up big numbers when he gets going, and he did just that in this game.
- Brimmer & May was able to stay with Winchendon for a large portion of the game, but eventually were worn down by their deeper opponent. Derek Retos (5’9″ Sr. PG-SG, Attleboro (MA)) had a large hand in keeping them in it with 21 points, all on three-pointers and a couple of which had college coaches who had not seen him before taking notice. Chris Sherwood (6’4 Jr. SF, Sharon (MA)) had 17 points and showed an improved mid-range touch to go with his already solid in-between game. Bryant signee Troy Robinson (6’6″ Sr. SF-PF, Boston (MA)) had 13 points and had moments where he looked very good, but also traveled several times as he tried to do a little too much.
- Winchendon got a solid effort from Akeem Williams (5’10” Sr. PG, Brockton (MA)), who had 15 points and at times a one-on-one duel with travel teammate Retos. The best thing about this game for Williams is that he showed his improving in-between game, scoring off the dribble and going by defenders while also knocking down three from long range, which he’s long established a reputation for.
- Quinnipiac signee Ike Azotam (6’8″ Sr. SF-PF, Roxbury (MA)) led Marianapolis with 18 points. A couple of plays in the game made it clear that he’s still very right-handed and could stand to be more fluid with the ball when he’s driving.
- Boston Trinity struggled in the first half after scoring the first seven points of the game. They never really got going until well into the second half, when they took over the game. Rodell Wigginton (6’3″ So. SF, Nova Scotia) led the way with 22 points but has played better than he did Friday. Kayon Mayers (6’1″ Jr. SG, Mississauga (Ont.)) hobbled off the court at one point in the second half, but came back later and had a couple of crucial baskets down the stretch to finish with 15 points.
