It is an easy drive from the Source Hoops Hacienda to West Oaks Academy in Orlando.  Jacksonville Potter’s House Academy was the final opponent of a three game homestand for the Flames.

The game got off to an uncharacteristically slow start as neither team was able to find the range early on.  After five minutes of the opening nine-minute quarter, the score was just 5-4 in favor of West Oaks.  At that point, the Flames went on a 10-2 run over the next two minutes, taking a 15-6 lead with two minutes left in the quarter and forcing a Potter’s House timeout.  The break in the action didn’t help and after one period of play, West Oaks led 26-8.

The Flames continued to extend their margin during the second quarter.  With just over five minutes left in the half, Potter’s House felt the need to take another time out, this time down 39-16.  West Oaks pushed their lead over thirty points late in the quarter, but Potter’s House was able to close the gap to 57-28 at the end of the second quarter.  West Oaks knocked down ten three-pointers in the half, six by 6’2 junior Jayden Joseph, to help take that commanding lead.

West Oaks continued to maintain control in the third quarter.  With three minutes left in the period and the score 72-45, Potter’s House called for a time out to reorganize.  This time the magic words were spoken.  Potter’s House was able to close out the third period with a 6-0 run to head into the final period down 72-51.

It was fairly clear that West Oaks had taken its collective foot off the gas as the fourth quarter moved along.  Still, as much as Potter’s House worked to close the gap, West Oaks was able to hold them off.  The final margin, 87-74, was the closest that Potter’s House was able to get since the opening quarter.

Joseph led West Oaks with 32 points while 5’10 senior Justin Smith contributed 19 points.

For Potter’s House, Cheick Conde, a 6’7 senior, led the team with 17 points.  Emeka Ikeazor, a 6’3 sophomore, was close behind with 15 points.  Tre Torchon, a 6’3 senior, tossed in 13 points and 6’8 junior Deng Deng finished with 12 points.

Joseph was clearly the player of the night.  He didn’t play in the team’s first two home games but quickly made up for lost time.  He drilled 6-7 threes in the first half, finishing with 24 points at the break.  He had success from mid-range as well as close in, whether in transition or when driving to the basket.  Joseph played both on and off the ball and had success in both roles.