CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — The Hawk Kreul Classic tipped off this weekend celebrating its 20th year in awarding academic scholarships. To date this non-profit organization has awarded more than $500,000 to South Florida students. When it comes to playing basketball for a great cause, the Kreul Classic is at the top of the list. Director Jim Reilly has put together another tremendous field of teams and players from across the country. Top performances over the weekend were plentiful, and the nation’s top uncommitted player, PG Brandon Knight (Coral Springs, Fla./Pine Crest School), showed no signs of rust from the injury that he suffered during the July evaluation period. Knight scored 46 points in two games while facing a box-and-one, full front denial and trapping defenses. His team finished the weekend 1-1 after beating Coral Springs Christian (Fla.) 81-63 on Friday and dropping a hard fought battle 55-51 to Northeast (Fla.) on Saturday night. Northeast was led by junior wing Daniel Sapp (Oakland Park, Fla./ Northeast) who scored 20 points while making winning plays on both ends of the floor.
Top player
Brandon Knight, PG (6-foot-3, 183)
2010, Coral Springs, Fla./Pine Crest
Knight shot the ball as well as I have seen him shoot it. He made 3s off the catch and dribble in addition to midrange jumpers on the break and within the half-court offense. His elevation and follow-through were very smooth. Knight also attacked the lane where he is terrific at accelerating by defenders to finish at the rim with an acrobatic layup, which he can shoot with either hand. Knight is a terrific athlete and is extremely strong for a guard. He is also a very unselfish player. Knight will make a simple pass to an open teammate without hesitation or he will penetrate, drive, draw and kick at high speeds to set up an easy basket. He also understands when it is time for him to take over and make a winning plays. He rebounded pretty well and is a threat to go coast to coast. All eyes were on Knight this weekend, and he maintained his composure while dealing with multiple junk defenses. He had stretches in the games during which he did exactly what he was supposed to: dominate.
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