The game was not only an impact on a regional level but it also made an impact on a national scale. Both teams encouraged fans and supporters to help in a canned food drive for Haiti earthquake victims. Canned goods, as well as other items, were collected at the game from members of both the Ely and Dillard community.
Senior guard Fredrick Conner led the Tigers (19-0) with a game-high 21 points. After a slow start, the Tigers got a 13-point contribution by Conner and outscored Dillard 21-10 in the second quarter to take a 28-19 lead by halftime. Conner erupted for 13 of his team’s 21 in the quarter.
In the second half, Fred Landers ignited a spark for Dillard after scoring six of his team-high 10 points in the third quarter, while playing stellar defense on Conner. Both teams played a physical and competitive game in front of a standing-room only crown at Ely.
Landers’ efforts helped Dillard take a 43-39 lead with 2:37 left in regulation. However, an intentional foul call on Dillard’s Rubyne Burrows resurrected the Tigers as they went on a 9-2 run to end the game. Conner scored seven of his team’s nine in the run for the win.
Locals to shine on global stage
Fourteen seniors from the state’s south region will represent their country in the 1st annual "Team USA vs. The World" game at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, Jan. 30. The game, which will be broadcast live on NFL Network at 12 p.m. EST, is part of the NFL Pro Bowl festivities and highlights 45 of the world’s top high school football players. Twenty-two players from eight countries spanning four continents will represent the world team.
Local standouts Quinton Dunbar (WR, Booker T. Washing), Jakari Gore (RB, Columbus), Ethan Grant (RB, North Broward Prep), Tony Grimes (CB, Hollywood Hills), Tommy Heffernan (LB, Columbus), Jordan Johnson (DT, Carol City), Corey Lemonier (DL, Hialeah), Josh Reese (WR, Central), Shawn Corker (WR, Cardinal Gibbons), Richard Leonard (CB, Killian), Keion Payne (CB, St. Thomas), LeBranden Richardson (DE, Central) and Calvin Smith (DT, Hialeah) lead the way for Team USA. The team will also be coached by Miami Columbus head coach Chris Merritt.
Elam named Florida Mr. Football
William T. Dwyer (West Palm Beach, Fla.) standout Matt Elam added to his list of achievements recently after winning the Florida Dairy Farmers 2009 Mr. Football award. Elam, enrolled early at the University of Florida, also received the Gatorade Florida Player of the Year award earlier in the season after gaining 1,883 yards rushing and 27 touchdowns on offense, while recording 61 tackles on defense and leading the Panthers to the Class 4A state title.
Knight adds to accolades
Pine Crest senior guard Brandon Knight, the reigning Gatorade National Player of the Year, will have the chance to represent his country after being selected to the 2010 USA Junior National Select Team. Knight, a two-time Class 3A state champion, will show off his skills at the 13th annual Nike Hoop Summit on April 10 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore.
TIP award
This week’s top individual performance award goes to Hialeah high 6-foot-8 center Shawn Jones. Jones, a senior, recorded a triple-double (29 points, 13 rebounds and 20 blocks) in a 65-39 win over Northwestern.
Others:
Tevin Westbrook, Forward, Pine Crest, scored 11 points and grabbed a career-high 22 rebounds in a 66-49 win over University.
Nicole Graziani, Forward, Pembroke Pines Charter, scored 13 points and grabbed 17 boards in a 45-43 win over Fort Lauderdale.
Raneisha Lamar, Forward, Pompano Beach, scored 21 points to compliment her 16 rebounds in a 45-42 win over Plantation.
Angel Rodriguez, Guard, Dr. Krop, scored a game-high 37 points to along with seven assists in a 80-65 win over Carol City.
Brandon Knight, Guard, Pine Crest, scored a game-high 33 points, including four 3-pointers, and grabbed four steals in a 74-34 win over North Broward Prep.
Alexis Thompson, Forward, West Broward, scored a game-high 20 points with 14 rebounds and five blocks in a 67-50 win over Everglades.
Ben Mayell, Guard, Calvary Christian, scored 40 points and dished out six assists in a 90-73 win over Jupiter Christian.
