Huge 4th quarter leads to comeback victory

By Brian Crownover
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They didn’t make it easy, but the Prep Charter Huskies staked claimed their second straight 2A state title on Saturday afternoon.  Taken out of their usual slow paced game and forced into a faster one, the Huskies found themselves trailing most of the afternoon.  They found themselves down by as many as 15 points with several minutes to play, thanks in large part to committing an astonishing 33 turnovers.  Explosive comebacks seem to be a theme for Prep Charter in the PIAA finals though.  They won this game on the strength of a 27-16 fourth quarter, following last year’s 55-22 second half which blew open a tight contest.

Prep Charter

Marcus Morris (2007, 6-8 195 SF/PF) Committed to Memphis
To say Marcus played poorly in the first three quarters plus would be an understatement.  He really wasn’t able to get going and only even attempted 4 shots for the entire game, a pretty low figure for someone averaging over 20 PPG.  Prep Charter struggled taking care of the basketball and Marcus led the way with a mind blowing 10 turnovers.  He did salvage what would’ve probably been one of his worst games ever thanks to clutch plays down the stretch in this victory.  With the Huskies down 3, he found his brother Markieff for a dunk.  He then drew a foul after a rebound and made one of two free throws to tie the game.  He followed it up with a steal and was fouled with 6 seconds left.  He sank both shots as Prep Charter went on to victory.  Marcus did finish with 11 points (thanks to 9-14 from the FT line) and 11 rebounds as well as 4 assists.

Markieff Morris (2007, 6-8 210 PF) Committed to Memphis
Much like his twin brother, Markieff didn’t play up to par in this contest.  He was efficient from the field, going 6-8 and finished with 16 points.  He was huge on the glass with 16 rebounds.  He struggled as well though with 7 turnovers, quite a few coming after rebounds.  The Aliquippa pressure forced the twins to combine for 17 turnovers which is alarming considering they’re going to be playing a much more up tempo style at Memphis.  They are both going to have to do a much better job of protecting the basketball than they did today.

Jesse Morgan (2009, 6-4 PG)
Next year this will be Jesse’s team, but for now he’s been excellent in a complimentary role.  He did a great job of slicing through the Quips defense and getting to the basket.  He has great body control and a smooth jump shot.  He also struggled with 4 turnovers.  With the Morris twins struggling, Jesse should’ve been more aggressive. 

Paris Grant (2009, 5-10 PG)
The young sophomore did most of his damage in transition.  He ran the floor well and got to the foul line and converted quite often.  He finished with 13 points and 4 assists.

Kevin Radford (2007, 5-11 PG)
Anytime Prep Charter needed a big shot in this game, Radford was there.  He did most of his damage from behind the arc where he was 4-5.  The smooth shooter finished with 4 points.

Shaquille Duncan (2007, 6-8 PF)
Shaquille figures to play a more prominent role for the Huskies next year with the Morris twins gone.  He had an impact in this game though and looked quite comfortable for a freshman playing on such a big stage.  The long-armed post player was a monster on the boards and very efficient from the field in his eight minutes of play.  He finished with 5 points and 6 rebounds.  Shaquille looks like he on his way to being the next great big man at Prep Charter.

Aliquippa

Herb Pope (2007, 6-9 PF) Committed to New Mexico State
The 6-8 Pope opened the game with a three pointer and it looked like it would be a huge game for this super prospect.  He followed that up with a rebound and put back, but shortly afterwards was on the bench with 2 fouls.  Pope is a very skilled player who can do a variety of things.  He can put the ball on the floor and drive by his man, shoot from the outside and also score in the paint.  Herb has a soft shot and likes to use the glass on the inside.  He fouled out with 15 points and 8 rebounds, but never seemed to really get in a rhythm due to that foul trouble.

Jonathan Baldwin (2008, 6-6 SF/PF)
The super talented two sport Baldwin struggled in this contest.  He couldn’t find his shot as he went just 7-25 from the field.  He is an athletic forward with long arms who can put the ball on the floor.  He had a good game on the boards, finishing with 10 rebounds.  Baldwin is still unsure of whether he’s going to play basketball or football at the next level.

Antonio Reddic (2007, 6-3 SG)
With Pope in foul trouble, Reddic stepped up in a big way.  The kid is every coach’s dream as he plays with a nonstop motor.  The guard his explosive and can get to the rim.  He was very aggressive attacking the offensive glass and wreaked havoc on the defensive end with his quickness.  Reddic showed he can distribute the basketball as well.  He did turn the ball over several times down the stretch.  He also struggled with his outside shot as he has a really low release point on it.  Reddic finished with an impressive all around stat line.  He had 23 points, 10 rebounds (7 offensive), 6 assists and 9 steals.  He is also a football prospect and more likely will head that route in college.  Antonio is certainly talented enough to play basketball at the division one level though.