Panthers pick up second victory over a top-five opponent in as many days.
Following a 74-62 victory over No. 4
Columbus (Miami, Fla.) on Thursday, the Panthers
continue to make a statement at the top high school basketball
tournament in the nation.
Top 100 Wake Forest signee
Quentin Coleman was the star of the game again for the Panthers, pumping in a high of 34 points and eight rebounds while shooting 11 of 17 from the field, 4 of 8 from 3-point range and making all eight of his free throws.
Quentin Coleman of Principia continues to shine at the City of Palms Classic with his second straight game over 30 points. Principia beat No. 1 Wheeler 69-63 on Saturday, one day after upsetting No. 4 Columbus. (FILE PHOTO: Marty Beck)
Principia jumped out to a 20-15 lead after the first quarter before Wheeler bounced back to take a 34-33 lead at the break before stretching its advantage to 54-51 after three quarters.
After an and-one conversion from top 25 prospect
Colben Landrew gave Wheeler a 57-51 advantage early in the fourth quarter, Principia responded with a 12-2 run to take a 65-59 lead.
A tip-in from
Gassim Toure started the spurt while a pair of 3-pointers from Coleman followed the tip-in. Back-to-back baskets from
Kingston Money gave the Panthers a four-point advantage before a tip-in form Coleman stretched the lead to 65-59.
Back-to-back layups from Wheeler cut the deficit to two points with under one minute to go, a pair of missed free throws from junior
Kevin Savage left the door open for Principia to score the final four points of the game.
Principia (6-0) entered the event ranked No. 30 nationally. The defending Class 3 state champions have made a major statement in the Sunshine State and are set for a major jump in the national rankings next week.
The Panthers meet a third consecutive top-five opponent in the semifinals Monday in No. 2
Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) at 6:30 p.m. EST.
Wheeler (8-1) saw its 29-game win streak dating back to last year snapped. The Wildcats will look to rebound in the fifth-place semifinal contest Monday at 4:30 p.m.
