2015 Lighthouse Classic: Saturday standouts
The second day of the Lighthouse Classic lived up to the billing, to say the least. With elite-level talent and teams on hand, tournament records were shattered on Saturday. Here are the top performers from Saturday’s play…
Joshua Langford, 2016 SG, Madison Academy (AL): Coming into this year’s Lighthouse Classic, Mississippi State freshman Malik Newman held the scoring record with 32 points. Josh Langford topped that Saturday afternoon with 34 points of his own. The 6-foot-6 guard showed off his full offensive arsenal, as he scored from all three levels and did everything effectively. In the first half, Langford showed off his athleticism and ability to finish at the rim with ease. The Michigan State signee was also very creative with his mid-range game, spinning out of and splitting double-teams and converting on contested shots. In the second half, Langford connected on three three-pointers. He did a masterful job of showcasing his entire offensive game and countering everything that Bolton (TN) threw at him.
John Petty, 2017 SG, J.O. Johnson (AL): Langford’s scoring record didn’t stand for long. In the game directly after his record performance, John Petty took the floor and reached a new mark that hadn’t been touched in the history of the three-year event. Petty scored 40 points in a huge win over Callaway (MS), setting a new scoring record. The talented junior scored every way thinkable: he finished at the rim, hit pull-up jumpers, and nailed several 3s. Petty has become very dangerous with his mid-range game. It’s hard to slow him down when he is hitting jumpers from 15-18 feet; it allows him to get his rhythm going and extend the range on his shot. The five-star had several plays above the rim as well, but he also cashed in at the free-throw line. Petty hit his ten free throws and played a big part in his record day.
Robert Woodard, 2018 SF, Columbus (MS): Columbus had a very intense game against Miller Grove (GA) to conclude the event, but after the game, there was no question who was Columbus’ best player on the floor. Woodard came out hot and kept the Falcons in the game throughout the second half. The sophomore plays wise beyond his years with his basketball IQ and skill level. Woodard played inside and out and showed his versatility and well-rounded game. Despite not scoring as much as the two aforementioned players, Woodard may have had the most fluid scoring game. The 6-foot-5 forward torched the nets with his shooting touch, and the majority of his makes didn’t even touch the net. That’s how dialed in Woodard was on Saturday night. He finished with an efficient 32 points on six three-pointers. It was a very productive weekend for the youngster.
Alterique Gilbert, 2016 PG, Miller Grove (GA): The long bus ride from Georgia didn’t plague Gilbert too much. In fact, he came out as quick and as hot as one could play. The UConn commit opened up the first quarter with 14 quick points and the Columbus (MS) defense couldn’t contain him – plain and simple. The 6-foot playmaker was hard to guard because of his quickness and attacking ability. He also connected on several 3s to keep the defense honest. UConn is a perfect fit for the high-octane point guard. Expect to see him accomplish big things in Storrs.
Felix Hayes, 2017 SG/SF, Baldwyn (MS): Hayes caught a touchdown pass Friday night in Baldwyn’s football game. However, that game ended in a loss and a dismissal from the Mississippi state football playoffs. Saturday was officially basketball season for the junior and he didn’t miss a beat. Despite not being able to practice with the team, Hayes was the MVP for Baldwyn in a close win over Lexington (TN) Saturday morning. The 6-foot-2 forward did a little bit of everything on the floor. He scored, rebounded, defended, and showcased his well-rounded game. Coming off the bench, he provided a spark of energy that his team needed. Hayes has a nice combination of athleticism, skill, and toughness. He isn’t afraid to get rough in the paint with opposing players and score at the rim, but he is also a very dangerous shooter. In fact, he was noted as one of the top shooters in last year’s Alabama Elite Preview. Hayes is a virtual unknown to college coaches right now, but he has a future in hoops. Low-major and mid-major schools should take a look at him this winter.
Bryan Trimble, 2016 SG, Sunrise Christian (KS): Lindy Waters and Kameron McGusty are going to get a lot of the attention for a talented Sunrise squad, but Trimble really set the tone for them this weekend. The 6-foot-3 wing is built like a football player and has a great deal of toughness. He isn’t afraid to attack the rim and compete with bigger players. He plays with a fearless attitude and has a constant motor. Waters and McGusty are talented scorers, but Trimble proved there is no drop off on talent. He hit shots and slashed to the basket with ease. UMKC is his lone offer right now, but high majors should begin to take notice.
Antares Gwyn, 2016 SF, Corinth (MS): Motor – it never stops for Gwyn. The senior plays each game like his life depends on it and coaches should love that. He gives 100% on both ends of the floor and plays on a downhill slope. Gwyn plays in attack mode and has a knack for getting to the rim. He has a great deal of athleticism and strength that allows him to be productive around the basket. Gwyn had 25 points and 12 rebounds in Saturday evening’s win over Christ Presbyterian Academy (TN).
Malik McDonald, 2016 CG, Wesley Christian (KY): Wesley Christian was a rather unknown coming into the tournament, but they were recognized as they left town. McDonald was one of the main reasons for that emergence. The 6-foot-1 combo guard is built like a fullback and he plays like a bowling ball on the floor. He isn’t afraid to bounce off players and get in the lane. The senior embraces the contact and thrives off it. McDonald also consistently knocked down shots. After two games, it was apparent that McDonald is the best player and leader for Wesley Christian.