Game 10 of the Nike Extravaganza featured the Santa Margarita Eagles (Santa Margarita, California) taking on the Fairfax Lions (Los Angeles, California). Immediately, it was evident that Santa Margarita's size and length would bother Fairfax for the entire game.
The Eagles' Adrease Jackson was looking to post up early and often, using his length against the back line of Fairfax's defense.
"I always try to start up in the post," he said. "I've always been a post player, so that's what I'm comfortable with."
In addition to utilizing Jackson, SM looked to push the tempo and attack the basket. Fairfax shot extremely well to combat Santa Margarita's aggressiveness, and the first quarter ended with a 13-13 tie.
Santa Margarita began playing solid perimeter defense in the 2nd quarter, and Jackson started to really get out and run in transition, as well as continuing to post up. Jake Kyman of the Eagles also contributed well, knocking in several shots from the outside.
Kyman started pouring it in, finishing with 13, and Santa Margarita topped Fairfax 59-51.
"I've always worked on my mid-range shot, If I can get to my spot it's easy money," he said.
Fairfax lost the second quarter, 17-11, and found themselves down 30-24 at halftime. In the first few minutes of the third quarter, Santa Margarita really looked to push the pace and began to wear out Fairfax. The Lions were struggling to put up points, as they had just 35 with roughly seven minutes remaining. Jackson finished with a solid 11-point, seven-rebound performance.
Fairfax's Jamal Hartwell scored a game-high 15 points, and shot 3 for 7 from the 3-point line in the process.
"The energy was high out there, I felt like I could jump a little higher and run a little faster," he said. "I was just looking to create out there, for myself and my team."
