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Senior-Freshman Duo Lead Cougars to Big Win at Verot
November 24, 2008
Aaron Seybert
SWFLHoops.com
#11 Barron Collier @ #4 Bishop Verot
This is why we play the games.
Our rankings saw it differently. But just as it happens when there are any rankings in sports, teams ranked lower don't usually lay down and accept defeat easily. As was the case on Monday night as SWFL Hoops 11th ranked Barron Collier Cougars took down #4 Bishop Verot Vikings 66-56.
Going into Monday night's season opener between Naples Barron Collier and Bishop Verot, two of the top teams in Southwest Florida, there was some added adrenaline for the Cougars. So much so that new head coach Carlos Clark had to tell his amped up bunch to "take a deep breath" before they took the court. They were the "underdogs," were the visiting team, and were facing a Bishop Verot squad that has made a habit of being on the winning side of matchups between themselves and other SWFL opponents. Add to that, Barron Collier was starting a regular season with their third head coach in as many seasons and questions loomed about how they would adjust to a new coaching and playing style.
With no time to beat up on cupcakes to work out any kinks, they took the floor with four seniors and one freshman. Well, the lone freshman on either roster would make his presence felt quickly as he scored a quick four points, including one basket off the jump ball, and the Cougars jumped out to a 4-0 advantage. That freshman is 6'1" guard Deion Clark, the son of former Boston Celtic guard and new Barron Collier head coach Carlos Clark. Then it was senior guard Brian Landers turn as he reeled off the next five points. Deion and Landers proceeded to keep Barron on their back the whole night, all while Landers was feeling a bit under the weather. Clark ended the half with 14, while Landers ended the half with 10 points.
The game could have very easily gotten out of hand early if it wasn't for the steady play of Bishop Verot senior forward Etienne Effenberg in the paint. "E.T." as he is affectionately called by teammates and fans, scored 10 of his team's first 12 points and ended the first half with 16 to lead all scorers at the midway point. Verot senior guard Brennen Melvin looked as though he is still learning to use his added 20 punds of muscle, as he continually missed short buckets while trying to adjust to the defense in the air. It seems he hasn't learned that he will be able to power through the defenses' outstretched arms with his added strength. He finished the first half with 7 points, with five coming on back to back buckets in the 2nd quarter.
The score at the end of the half: Barron Collier 34, Bishop Verot 29
To start the third quarter, Bishop Verot went on a 9-2 run behind five more points from Effenberg and good effort from junior forward/guard Abner Sandoval on the boards. A Sandoval bucket with just over 5 minutes left in the quarter gave Verot their first lead of the game at 38-36. But it wouldn't last long, as Landers picked up his intensity on the offensive end and dropped in four straight points to grab the lead back, which was promptly followed by a three from senior Jesus Gonzalez giving the Cougars a 43-38 advantage they would not relinquish. Another Gonzalez three with 10 seconds left in the third gave Barron a 48-40 lead entering the fourth quarter. Effenberg slowed down a bit, finishing the last five plus minutes without a point. Another note, Melvin did not score in the quarter and sat the last four plus minutes of the third due to foul trouble.
In the fourth, the closest it got was 53-49 after two free throws by Melvin with 3:41 left in the game. However, Landers and Clark would not have any comeback stories being told after tonight, as the duo combined to score the final 13 points for Barron Collier to seal a 66-56 victory. Remember, the duo also opened the game combining for their team's first 9 points as well.
For Barron Collier, they still have some questions on the interior defensively and on the glass. Coach Clark said, "We gave up too many offensive rebounds overall, but we were able to grav some when we needed them. Overall we need to push the ball more, as we are not getting enough clean rebounds and easy buckets off of them." Landers finished with 24 points, including 13-15 from the free throw line. In his first regular season high school game, Deion Clark finished with 23 points and 8 rebounds, although he admits he can improve in spots. "I could improve my decision making at the end of the game," he admits, referring to a couple of quick shots when his father would have preferred to run some precious time off the clock holding the lead. Jesus Gonzalez chipped in with 12 points of his own and played a very good game with the ball in his hands. Humphrey struggled offensively and defensively while suffering with being under the weather, but helped out on the boards with 12.
For Verot, turnovers and a bad shooting night doomed them in the end. We still expect the Vikings to be one of the better teams come season's end, but as of now they have some questions offensively with too many forced passes and not enough guys knocking down wide open shots from the outside. However, the mistakes that cost them the game are fixable and they will more than likely not have too many nights where they stuggle this much shooting the ball. As for bright spots, Effenberg finished with a game high 30 points, on 12 of 17 shooting from the field, and added 12 rebounds. Brennen Melvin chipped in with 13 pts and 9 rebounds on a night when he shot 4 for 19 from the field including 0 for 5 from beyond the arc. Also, Sandoval led the Vikings with 13 rebounds, including 6 on the offensive end alone and was definitely a guy who can guy Verot a lot of energy from the wing.
Final Score: Barron Collier 66, Bishop Verot 56
