Westminster Academy rides Ben Middlebrooks to win over McArthur in Kreul Classic
Westminster Academy boys’ coach Ehren Wahloff figures his team’s hopes of a state title four-peat ride on Ben Middlebrooks becoming the “man” for the Lions.
After showing glimpses in a supporting role last season as a freshman, Middlebrooks put on the kind of display at the Kreul Championship on Saturday that shows he’s ready for the spotlight.
The 6-9 sophomore poured in a game-high 21 points to help Westminster defeat McArthur 68-33 in the AF Best Securities Foundation Championship game at the City of Coral Springs Gymnasium.
“Ben is starting to step into that role,” Wahloff said. “After having a great freshman season, he was behind four seniors, some great players. We have talked to him about taking the mantle and becoming that guy. He is starting to relish that role and take it and go with it. He is still learning how good he can be.”
Middlebrooks’ three-point play, banking in a shot while falling down to give the Lions a 30-21 lead with 2:50 left in the third quarter, sparked the decisive run that sent the Lions on their way.
Caleb Muller hit a three-pointer and Kaleb Walters converted a reverse layup while being fouled to give the Lions a commanding 40-25 lead going into the fourth quarter. Walters, Troy Boynton and Stephan Swanson each added 10 points for the Lions.
Besides Middlebrooks being a matchup problem for the Mustangs, Tyshaun Daniels was held scoreless in the second half after getting off to a fast start with 10 first-half points. No other Mustangs player was able to fill the scoring void.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
▪ Miami High 58, Oak Ridge Tennessee 48: Colleen Bucknor 17 points, 10 rebounds, 3- assists; Jeanine Scott 13 points; Kiara Cruz 8 points, 6-steals; Darria Whitley 7 points, 3 assists. Bucknor made the All Tournament Team.
▪ Miami High 57, Parkersburg West Virginia 50: Colleen Bucknor 14 points, 6 rebounds 2 steals, 2 blocks; Darria Whitley 8 points, 4 assists, 3 steals; Janay Quinn 7 points, 5 assists, 3 steals.
▪ Miami Country Day 59, Garfield High (Seattle, WA) 32: MCDS (5-4): S. Shaw 10, E. Theodule 2, A. Daley 7, M. McCormack 14, G. Corbitt 8, O. Delancy 7, K. Godfrey 4, I. Guevara 1, K. Nelms 4, J. Sheppard 2. Garfield: K. Davis 5, S. Rahman 3, K. Crudup 3, T. Henderson 2, M. Fiso 7, I. Taylor 10, K. Wood 2. Rebounds: Daley 7. Assists: Shaw 5. Steals: McCormack 2.
GIRLS’ SOCCER
▪ St. Thomas 3, Nolan Catholic Texas 1: Shay Miedema 2 goals, 1 assist; Isabella Kleva 1 goal; Isabel Martines 1 assist. GK Maddie Messingchlager with 6 saves.
This story was originally published December 21, 2019 at 6:18 PM.