City of Palms Classic: Wesleyan, Wheeler impress

Here's a rundown of Friday action at the prestigious City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla. Five nationally-ranked teams are competing for the title in the event's 17-team tournament field. See the complete bracket here.

First Round

Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 64, Wayne (Huber Heights, Ohio) 59
Top-ranked Montverde Academy (8-0) led by as many as 16 points in the third quarter but Wayne (2-1) clawed back to make things uncomfortable in the final minutes of the contest. Ben Simmons, the nation's No. 1 senior prospect, compiled 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists to pace the victorious Eagles. Multi-sport standout D'Mitrik Trice countered with a team-high 17 points for Wayne (2-1).

St. Francis (Alpharetta, Ga.) 65, Florida Air Academy (Melbourne, Fla.) 50
Florida State-bound guard Malik Beasley paced St. Francis (8-1) with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists in a game that was closer than the final score would indicate. Up by two heading into the fourth quarter, the Knights outscored Florida Air Academy (12-2) by 13 points in the final stanza.

Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.) 84, Whitney Young (Chicago) 72
Led by star junior forward Harry Giles, Wesleyan Christian Academy (11-0) notched one of its biggest wins on the national circuit by beating the defending Illinois 4A state champs. Giles put up 27 points - hitting 13 of 18 field goal attempts - and grabbed seven boards. Dunk king Kwe'Shaun Parker added 20 points for the Trojans. Rodney Herenton Jr. notched a team-high 27 points for Whitney Young (1-3), a program still finding itself after a distinguished run with Jahlil Okafor on the roster.



Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) 61, Bentonville (Ark.) 40
Jaylen Brown and the Wildcats (6-0) shut down any thoughts of an upset bid by Bentonville (3-2), surging to a 21-5 first quarter lead and coasting into a quarterfinal showdown with 2013 runner-up Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.). Brown, 247Sports.com's No. 2 senior prospect, produced 24 points and eight rebounds. High-scoring junior guard Malik Monk was held to 13 points for Bentonville.

Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 65, Webster Groves (Mo.) 46
A two-time City of Palms Classic winner, Mater Dei (7-0) won its 46th game in a row. M.J. Cage , a 6-foot-10 junior center, a provided 18 points and 18 rebounds as Mater Dei won its 46th game in a row. The Monarchs face Wesleyan Christian Academy on Saturday in a showdown between defending state champions.

Consolation

Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) 59, Archbishop Carroll (Radnor, Pa.) 55
After disappointing losses Thursday, it was a quick turnaround for both teams. Sophomore phenom Cody Riley led Sierra Canyon (2-1) to the morning victory with 22 points and nine rebounds. USA Basketball gold medalist Devearl Ramsey added 13 points and five assists for the Trailblazers. Ryan Daly led Carroll (2-3) with 21 points.

Riverside Academy (Reserve, La.) 76, North Port (Fla.) 50
In a play-in game to the consolation bracket, Louisiana's defending 2A state champs blitzed North Port (5-5) with a 27-10 first quarter and never trailed. Rebel guards Herbert McGee and Malik Crowfield combined for 39 points. Riverside Academy (4-1) meets Wayne on Saturday.

Sunshine Series (non-tournament)



Suncoast (Riviera Beach, Fla.) 74, First Baptist Academy (Naples, Fla.) 45
Christoff Nairn and Channing Gaspard went for 20 points apiece as the Chargers handled First Baptist Academy in a showcase game.