From LBPOSTSports.com: Palmer Pavilion was thick with excitement as the Moore League’s only two undefeated teams warmed up to square off Wednesday night, but it was the home Poly Jackrabbits (4-0) that would leave with their unblemished record intact as they defeated the Jordan Panthers (3-1) in a display of Long Beach’s two most athletic teams, 63-48.
Poly forward Ryan Anderson filled up the box score for the Jackrabbits, leading the team with 16 points on 7-9 shooting from the field, along with six rebounds and five blocks. The 6’7” sophomore showed his versatility by dishing three assists and even stepping out to hit a three-pointer in the first half.
Video by J.J. Fiddler and Mike Guardabascio
“He’s growing as a player,” said Poly head coach Sharrief Metoyer, who is quick to point out that Anderson is still learning the game. “He’s just a sophomore, and tonight he stepped up and played big for us.”
Poly guard Michael Mayes continues his hot shooting, the senior hitting three triples on his way to thirteen points. Junior forward Shelton Boykins used his athleticism to snag key rebounds and intimidate in the paint, his 6’5” frame snagging five rebounds and swatting two Panther shots.
“Even through some of our valleys, we sustained and played well tonight,” said Metoyer. “Our kids knew what they needed to do – how Jordan would attack and how to stop them.”
That potent Panther attack was certainly hindered by a combination of excellent team defense by Poly, and a crippling problem with finishing shots in the paint by Jordan. The Panthers shot a rough 28% from the field during the game.
“We got to the basket in the first half but we couldn’t finish,” said head coach Ron Massey, whose wings found ways to penetrate during a third quarter run, but had trouble converting aggression into points. Senior point-forward Will Ervin, usually adept at attacking the rim, shot just 1-8 from the field and ended with four points.
“We didn’t do the little things that we always talk about,” said Massey.
Junior guard Raynard Tyler led the Panthers with 13 points and four rebounds, as fellow swingman Jesse Jones scored 12. Jordan forward Stephan Heard, one of the league’s top big men, scored eight points and snared eight rebounds.
Click here to read the rest of the story by Ryan ZumMallen…