An intriguing subplot between boys’ basketball rivals Blanche Ely and Boyd Anderson (2-1) takes an added twist when Ely first-year guard Diandre Wilson, a key member of Boyd Anderson’s run to the Class7A State Final Four last season, faces his former team in his season debut on Saturday.
Wilson missed the first two games this season but is expected to play a major role as the host Tigers (2-0) try to avenge a 61-54 loss to Boyd Anderson in the regional semifinals last season.
“The atmosphere is going to be crazy,” Wilson said. “Nobody wants to lose to the school they transferred from, and I’m pretty sure when going up on a layup I might take a hard hit. It’s all part of the game.”
Along with 6-1 Laquincy Rideau, an All-County first team selection from Palm Beach Lakes, and holdover sharpshooter Javon Heastie, Ely (2-0) has the backcourt firepower and depth they lacked to contend for a state title last season.
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The 6-2 Wilson was a steadying force as Boyd Anderson advanced to the State Final Four, where it lost 73-65 in overtime to eventual Class7A state champion Oviedo.
While Wilson held up his end with 14 points, five steals and four rebounds against Oviedo, the bitter loss took away from any personal accomplishments.
The big take-away for Wilson, however, was learning to become a player who leaves his imprint the entire game, not the one who only showed flashes the past two seasons.
“Losing to Oviedo made me a better player,” Wilson said. “When I am in situations like that, I want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. It makes me very hungry. Every team I see Oviedo, the team that beat me last year.”
GIRLS’ SOCCER
Carrollton 2, LaSalle 0: Michelle Diaz-Silveira, Victoria Pino goal. Carr 6-2.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Champagnat 67, Florida Christian 37. Champagnat: Diaz 18, Cornish 17, Parker 11, McKey 2, Enrique 9, Vasquez 8, Joshua 2. Half: Cham 33-14. Rebounds: McKay 7. Assists: Vasquez 9. Steals: Diaz 6.
LATE TUESDAYBOYS’ BASKETBALL
Braddock 36, Columbus 34. Columbus: Byrne 4, Fongon 5, Vanzant 7, Rodriguez 9, Sosa 3, Jattin 6. Brad: Ruiz 1, E. Garcia 5, Vigo-Franco 6, Diaz 11, Estrada 5, Dominguez 3, Madonna 2, L. Garcia 3. Half: Col 21-16. Three-pointers: Vanzant 1, E. Garcia 1, Estrada 1, L. Garcia 1. Rebounds: Diaz 12. Steals: Dominguez 2, Vigo-Franco 2. Assists: E. Garcia 4
American 62, Westland Hialeah 56. WH: Gato 15, Rodriguez 15, Nova 2, Troup 3, F. Rodriguez 9, Cabelo 4, Lopez 5, Mendez 3. Amer: Johnson 16, Jones 2, Harris 8, Evans 7, Mack 8, Pratt 3, Guanche 5, Lopez 2, Paulino 2, Petit-Frere 10. Half Amer 41 - 30. Three-pointers: Gato 3, Rodriguez 2, Troup, F. Rodriguez , Johnson, Mack 2, Evans, Pratt
Rebounds: Guanche 7. Assists: Johnson 4, Steals: Johnson 3.
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