This week saw the Eagles playing three very tough games. Both Rory Riggs and Darius Spates had solid weeks on the floor. The deciding factor in picking this week's player of the week was Darius' leadership. His experience and command on the floor helped direct the rest of the team to playing three very close games, and dishing out a little payback to Salesian who had beaten us at their place at the beginning of league.
Big game by our Big Man in the middle. This week Jerry led the team to a 47-46 victory over Bell-Jeff. In what proved to be a very physical game, Jerry recorded 11 points, while shooting an impressive 71% from the floor. He also grabbed 11 rebounds to record his 6th double-double of the season. Of course he will be ther first to credit sophomore Dion Henderson for the great set-up on the game-winning shot against Bell-Jeff with only 3 seconds to go on the clock. It should be noted that "JB" Baxter also had a very solid game (10 pts, 45% from the field, and 7 RB's)this week and helped to create opportunities for Jerry throughout the game. Great job team! Great job Jerry!
Rory was selected as player of the week despite solid performances by both Jerry Bullard and Jonathan Baxter, and courageous performances by Darius Baxter. What set Rory ahead of the pack was scoring 36 points, shooting just under 50% from the field and an even 60% from behind the 3 point line. He also shot 75% from the FT line while stealing the ball six times. Most importantly was the fact that he had his best game in the biggest game thus far in the season, helping us to a 66-65 upset of the #17 Valiants of St. Genevieve at their place. While we honor Rory let us remember that our team play has been the catapult we needed to victory this week. GO EAGLES!
Denzel was selected as player of the week because he exemplifies what we coaches desires to see in all our players. Having been declared ineligible earlier in the season, Denzel continued to work hard to return to play. He did so in flying fashion against El Monte. In limited minutes he was 2 for 2 from the field, grabbed two rebounds and provided a real spark off the bench. His never-say-die attitude and his production on the floor were second-to-none Wednesday night. Great job Denzel!
Darius not only led the team in scoring, but he led the defensive charge in the last game of the Arroyo Valley tournament to seal a win for the team. His leadership on defense and his efficient scoring on offense has helped keep the Eagles competitive for the past three weeks.
Averaged 23.5 to led Verbum Dei to the tournament title.
During the second week of play Darius Spates has begun to light it up on the offensive end of the floor. This week Verbum Dei lost two games, one a one point loss in overtime. Darius is shooting over 50% from the field which is an outstanding statistic considering the fact that he draws the best defender, and often two defenders, every night.
JB helped the team get off to a good start with his performance in the first two games. He totalled 20 points, 6 assists, 11 rebounds in those two games. Including a key basket with 5.5 seconds to go in the Pomona game which gave us the lead and a chance to win. His all-around play was superior at crunch time.