Living the TCAC Life

The schedule is full of TCAC games this week so let's keep it simple with all 3 in 1 post.  Limited food options all week.  Sadly no ball out of bounds and into the nachos at Avail

Monday: Avail Academy 79 Shattuck-St. Mary's 61
For those not paying attention to previews (shame on you), Avail Academy is the former Calvin Christian.  This one appeared to be a matchup of 2 of the top teams in the 2nd division of the TCAC.  But don't tell the scoreboard that.  Avail blows this one open with an early 13-0 run and then tacks on a 17-2 run in the middle of the 1st half.  That pushes the game to 26 at the half.  It stays even the rest of the way.  Hans Dykstra (my preseason pick for D2 MVP) finishes with 16 points and 18 boards in the middle for Avail.  Avail moves the ball well and they have Dykstra going all over setting screens like a mad man.  No reason to think they won't uphold my prediction of them winning the division.  Shattuck had a miserable 1st half but they've got a couple of athletes on the wing that will be tough to handle in league play.

Tuesday: Maranatha 62 Cristo Rey 46
These future Skyline members get to see each other a year early.  Cristo Rey slowed the pace with a 2-3 zone and that was a success.  But early turnovers by the Pumas allowed Maranatha to jump out to an 11-2 lead.  James Sommer sat with 2 quick fouls but returned to stabilize the lineup.  He had to carry the offense in the 2nd half.as CRJ just couldn't generate anything.  It takes over 10 minutes to get the 1st CRJ FG of the 2nd half.  But by that time the margin is 13 and the zone is no longer an option.  Justin Mason with 4 3s in the game and 19 points for MCA.  Christian Davis with a couple highlight dunks off the bench late.  Very ugly game with no flow and a ton of fouls.

Wednesday: Hope Academy 80 Hiawatha Collegiate 56
The schedule comes up with Hope for a 3rd time.  This time its a trip to Hiawatha's brand new building in SE Minneapolis.  Nice setup but I had to laugh at all the signs that said to use door 1 and then everything at door 1 was locked.  Another big outing for Hope from Caleb Hoilien with 31 points, 12 boards, 6 assists and 5 blocks on my sheet.  Freshman guard Elijah Wade with his own layup drill for 28 points.  Sam Ojebode once again very active on the glass from his PF spot.  Hope was up 30 at the half but didn't put the game way as the lead got under 20.  8th Grade point guard Jessye Lewis with 5 3s and 23 points to lead Hiawatha.  Fellow 8th grader Jaheim Nuah on the wing is a name I'll be keeping an eye on for the long term.