Derwin James Leads Auburndale in MLK Invitational Shootout
Sun. January 20, 2013 at 2:00 a.m. | By Nathan Halverson
Auburndale High School's Derwin James (23) goes up for a basket as Cardinal Gibbons High School's Reggie Goosby (23) tries to defend during the first quarter of their game during the Josh Giles Invitational at Polk State College in Winter Haven Saturday. (Photo by MICHAEL WILSON | THE LEDGER)
By NATHAN HALVERSON
LEDGER CORRESPONDENT
WINTER HAVEN | Sophomore Derwin James scored 14 points and pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds, while freshman Keon Clergeot added 16 points and three assists as Auburndale beat Cardinal Gibbons 53-49 in the Josh Giles MLK Invitational Shootout before 75 people in the Health Center on the campus of Polk State College.
"It's kind of like a playoff game," Auburndale head coach Eric Robinson said. "It's always good to play teams we don't normally play."
Sophomore Rosemond Alexis had a key one-handed dunk off a rebound to stretch the Bloodhounds' lead to 49-41 with 2:41 left in the game. Alexis finished with 11 points and three steals before fouling out with less than two minutes to go.
James was named MVP of the game and also added three steals for Auburndale (17-2).
"I am a team player and play hard for my team," James said.
Senior Ryan Andino scored a game-high 19 points for Gibbons.
Senior Elmo Stephen made a cameo appearance for Auburndale but was taken out as soon as he checked into the game. Stephen re-injured his right knee in a 77-70 win over Tenoroc the previous night.
"We wanted to play him and give him a look," Robinson said. "He was limping so we took him out."
In other games:
Winter Haven 64, IMG Academies 58
Sophomore Chance McSpadden scored a game-high 17 points and had six steals as Winter Haven held off IMG Academy.
"It's the third game in three days," Winter Haven head coach Tyrone Woodside said. "It was heart and hustle."
McSpadden was named MVP in the game, while sophomore teammate Darius James scored nine points, grabbed nine rebounds and had six blocks for the Blue Devils (12-7, 4-0).
"Darius really stepped up against two 7-footers for IMG," Woodside said.
Kathleen 62, All Saints 49
Deonte Dennis and Trey Jordan each scored 14 points to lead Kathleen as it outscored All Saints Academy 36-13 in the second half en route to a victory.
Going into the halftime the Saints (8-6, 5-1) were up 36-26, but Kathleen (14-6, 2-2) went on a 23-9 run in the third quarter to take a 49-35 heading into the fourth.
Senior Reggie Evans scored a game-high 17 points, had five rebounds and three steals, while senior teammate Troy MacNeill added 14 points and had three steals for All Saints.
Tenoroc 56, Cypress Creek 54
Antonio Valrie scored 14 points and had five steals as Tenoroc edged Cypress Creek in the first game of the day. The Titans outscored their opponents 28-17 during the second half to secure the win.
Ocoee 85, Sonrise Christian 46
Ocoee dominated Sonrise Christian despite a game-high 36 points and 10 rebounds from Dustin Kilough.
In non-area games, Lakewood defeated Golden Gate 65-44, while East Bay beat St. Cloud 44-31.
