Eastern Commerce Owns Holiday Classic, Toronto Raptor Jamaal Magloire in the Building!
NPH TOP PERFORMERS
EASTERN COMMERCE
- James Sylvester– 16 points
- Ammanuel Diressa– 15 points
NOTRE DAME
- Grant Mullins– 30 points
TORONTO,ON–In a jam-packed weekend of hoops across the country, Eastern Commerce had business to take care of in their own Holiday Classic.
During the pre-game chat with the coaches, the Saints received a few words of wisdom from an unexpected guest. It was none other than Eastern Commerce alumni and current Toronto Raptor, Jamaal Magloire!
“Jamaal was great, he spoke to them about the necessary things to develop as players and as human being from grades, to work ethic, to presentation,” explained Eastern Commerce Head Coach Kevin Jeffers.
Just over a week ago, Magloire became the first Canadian player to be suit up for Canada’s team, the Toronto Raptors.
In case the hungry Saints were in need of any added motivation, they got it, while taking the victory over a tough Notre Dame team, (undefeated until last night) by the score of 69-54.
Columbia commit Grant Mullins was sensational all tournament long and dropped a game-high 30 points in the loss.
“He’s amazing, there’s no doubting that,” said Jeffers.
Despite Mullins’ brilliance, the depth and athleticism proved to be too much for the benchless Notre Dame team. Through the first three quarters, both teams were neck and neck, however the fourth belonged completely to Eastern Commerce.
Led by MVP Ammanuel Diressa and tournament all-star James Sylvester, the Saints were not to be denied.
Sylvester sliced through the defense and relentlessly attacked the cup thanks to his extremely quick first step en route to team high 16 points. Diressa added 15 points respectively.
2012 6’8 Nathaniel Nelson also seems to be breaking out of his shell for Eastern. His physical attributes with respect to his athleticism and body structure make him a hot commodity at the next level. He must continue to develop his offesnive game as he will be crucial for the Saints in the long stretch of the season.
Outside of Grant Mullins, Justin Springer, Daniel Dooley, and Jordan Scott were key contributors for Notre Dame throughout the tournament. Keep tabs on ND as they will be continue to be a force throughout the season. If they can receive more contributions off the bench, it will certainly take the team to another level.
The Eastern Commerce Saints are a trransformed team from just one month ago, and are legitimately pushing for the number one spot in the country after deafeating current #1-ranked Henry Carr a few weeks ago while earning the Mark Walton championship!
“It was all about getting back to basics, getting into the gym and starting from scratch.”
The most important thing for the Holiday Classic champs, is to understand that there is still a long way to go to provincial gold. According to Coach Jeffers, the team is well aware.
“We have to stay hungry, we will be in the gym on monday and back to basics.”
