30 Dec 2019

Holiday Basketball Classic of Palm Beaches

PALM BEACH GARDENS — Charlotte 49ers 6-foot-5 guard signee Jackson Threadgill led Davidson (N.C.) Day School to an 83-63 victory over three-time defending FHSAA state champion Westminster Academy on Monday in the championship game of the Holiday Basketball Classic of the Palm Beaches National bracket.

Threadgill poured in 32 points — 19 in the second half — to earn MVP honors. Appalachian State 6-10 signee C.J. Huntley (14 points) and senior guard Will Coble (17 points) also made all-tournament from Davidson Day.

Senior guard Stephan Dibongue Swenson (Stetson) led Westminster with 18 points and 6-10 2022 Ben Middlebrooks added 17 points. They also were named to the all-tournament squad.

Davidson Day controlled the game from the start. The Patriots (15-1) led 22-17 after one quarter, 37-27 at the half and 54-48 going to the fourth.

Coble connected on five of Davidson Day’s nine 3-pointers.

The Patriots are very fundamentally sound. They pass the ball well on offense until they get open shots and compete on every shot on defense.

Turnovers hurt Westminster. The Lions fall to 7-4.

COACHING MILESTONE

Davidson Day head coach Ron Johnson earned his 500th career victory during the tournament. The milestone came with a victory over Mater Lakes.

Johnson played his college ball in South Florida at Barry University and was also the head coach at Benjamin School in Palm Beach County from 1998-2003.

Benjamin won a state title under Johnson in 2001.

WAITING TO BE CLEARED

I caught up with former Westminster Academy star Chase Johnston.

Johnston, who signed with IPFW out of high school, has transferred to Stetson due to family reasons. He said he is waiting to be cleared but is practicing with the team.

Johnston helped lead WA to three consecutive state titles (2017-19). He was one of the top 3-point shooters in the South the past two seasons.

PBC reigns

Palm Beach County defeated Broward County 6-3 in the PBC-Broward Challenge.

Dwyer High sealed the victory for Palm Beach County on Monday night with a 53-37 W over North Broward Prep.

Junior Rodrick Johnson — who was at Forest Hill last year — led Dwyer with 20 points. Florida Southern guard commit Dom Denny led NBP with 14 points.

2021 forward MK Ashmore did not play for North Broward Prep because of a respiratory infection.

If you have high school or travel basketball news, you can reach Pat Lammer at PatALammer@Gmail.com