Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational: St. Petersburg Beach Bracket Championship Recap
On the final day of the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational, Spruce Creek and Florida Prep were set for a rematch that was sure to be exciting. In their earlier meeting on Nov. 30, Florida Prep held off Spruce Creek with…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOn the final day of the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational, Spruce Creek and Florida Prep were set for a rematch that was sure to be exciting. In their earlier meeting on Nov. 30, Florida Prep held off Spruce Creek with a 59-57 win at the Florida Prospects Thanksgiving Tournament.
The entire first half was all Florida Prep with a 13-5 lead at the quarter and a 31-20 lead at half behind a strong first quarter for Soph. Paige McDonald and a strong second quarter for Fr. Emma Risch. Spruce Creek fought back with a strong third quarter behind Sr. Peryonna Sylvester to cut the lead to 43-40. In the final quarter, Spruce Creek took its first lead with under three minutes to go at 51-50 and kept it from there. Florida Prep didn’t take care of the ball well enough in the second half to pull this one out, and you have to give a lot of credit to Coach Hamm and his girls for the defensive strategy and intensity they adjusted with in the second half. Here are some key players from this thriller:
Spruce Creek Hawks (11-3)
Peryonna Sylvester (2020) – This was the best performance I’ve seen from Peryonna this season, and she did it off of the bench with a healing ankle. No one from Florida Prep could stop her on the dribble drive in the second half without giving up a bucket to her or her kicking it to Kaci Helmick or Kacie Oelkers for a three. Peryonna finished with 22 points on the night with 15 of those coming in the second half and going 8 for 9 from the free throw line. She had her way the whole second half by using her change of speed, handles, and strength to score the rock. Don’t overlook the North Florida commits defense either as she took multiple charges for her team.
Tyja Beans (2023) – She is continuing to make huge strides in her game throughout this season. This was probably the best I’ve seen this Freshman play all year. Tyja is looking more confident and comfortable in the offense as the primary post for Spruce Creek. Her mid-range game was on full display in the second half of this championship win and she was strong on the boards against a tall, lengthy Florida Prep team. Tyja contributed 13 points in an exciting comeback victory.
Kacie Oelkers (2021) – The Kaci(e) duo of Spruce Creek shot the lights out in this tournament. In this game, it was Kacie Oelkers who had two big threes in the second quarter to keep the game from getting out of hand after being down by as many as 11 points. She finished with 10 points in a big win for the Hawks. College coaches are starting to ask around after seeing her play well this weekend.
Florida Prep Falcons (11-2)
Emma Risch (2023) – She is, without a doubt, one of the best shooters in the state as only a Freshman. Emma had 5 three’s in the game, went 4 for 4 from the line, blocked 2 shots, and pulled down 9 boards in this tough defeat. Her second quarter was huge with 13 of her 19 points coming in that 8 minutes alone. Emma will be a key factor in how this Falcon team competes with a very rigorous back half of the schedule.
Paige McDonald (2022) – St. Leo offered Paige over the weekend, and she must have taken that into this game with some confidence and firepower that led to a 7 point first quarter (more than the entire Spruce Creek team had). Paige was consistent the rest of the game and ended the night with 15 points on 7 for 12 shooting. She’s tough to play against on both ends of the floor with the amount of size and length she has as only a Sophomore, and how well she takes care of the ball when it’s in her hands. Paige also nearly had a double-double with 8 rebounds on the night. I’m more impressed with her game in each instance I see her.
Alonya Waldon (2023) – Here is a player whose stock is rising at a quick rate. Alonya is another young star on this team, and she was one of the best players I saw over the course of three games. She distributed the ball well with 5 assists, and she scored 10 points in a strong effort. This Freshman was tough to stop with a strong drive to the hoop and a nice outside shot. Alonya will be a player to keep your eye on for the remainder of the year with the level of energy she has on the court.
Emani Burks (2021) – Emani didn’t have her best offensive game with 7 points, but she contributed in other ways with 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. She has massive potential as a tall and long Junior who has incredible talent with that frame. Emani has to continue to play strong in the paint with the absence of Aleah Sorrentino for this team to continue to succeed.