Findlay Prep (Nevada) showed Coolidge why it's ranked Number 2 in the country as it used a 25-12 second quarter to pull away to an easy 79-44 win over Coolidge in the National High School Invitational at Georgetown Prep.
The Colts (29-8), who were a last minute addition to the tournament, played the annual powerhouse team from Nevada close through the first quarter, trailing only 18-12. But Findlay, which had a decided height advantage and more depth, proved to be too much for Coolidge, which was coming off a tough 70-64 loss to Paul VI in the City Title game. Findlay held a whopping 60-29 advantage on the boards.
Khalen Cumberlander led the Colts with 13 points. Findlay Prep was paced by Anthony Bennett, who came off the bench to lead all scorers with 23, while Dominic Artis (14), Winston Shepard (12) and Brandon Ashley (11) contributed. Several of their seniors have committed to major Division 1 schools.
"I am very proud of this team and what we accomplished this season," said Coolidge Head Coach Vaughn Jones, a strong candidate for Coach of the Year honors. "Findlay is an outstanding team and this was a great opportunity for us to play in this prestigious tournament."
Woodson, (26-8), put on an impressive showing against Dr. Phillips (Florida), the Number 22-ranked team in the country. Led by senior forward Jephany Brown, who did all she could to help her team with a game-high 27 points, the Lady Warriors rallied from a 13-point second half deficit to get close but Dr. Phillips (30-4) staved off the upset attempt with some sizzling free throw shooting, converting on 14 of 16 in the second half.
Brown, who is headed to Providence, added 9 rebounds and 4 blocked shots to her stat sheet while Janae Blount chipped in with 13 for H.D. Woodson, winners of this year's City Title game against Good Counsel.
Dr. Phillips got 21 from Jade Cheek, who was 5 of 11 from beyond the arc and 20 from Sydney McCaskill, who was a perfect 11 for 11 from the free throw line.
"All we had to do was hope they missed free throws, but they hit them down the stretch," said H.D. Woodson Head Coach Frank Oliver. "That's what good teams do."
Game Notes: Coolidge Head Coach Vaughn Jones and H.D. Woodson Head Coach Frank Oliver have something in common: They are both alums of DeMatha High School.
