BOCA RATON – With district foe North Broward Prep leading 11-9 early in the first, the St. Andrew’s Scots were looking for a spark to push them ahead and keep their winning streak intact.
That spark came from junior Jack May, in his first year on the team after his father Dusty May took the head coaching job at nearby Florida Atlantic University.
May’s 13 first-half points helped his team go on a crucial 13-0 run that stretched into the second quarter, which eventually ballooned into a 36-15 lead at the half. The Scots never looked back after that, not allowing North Broward to get back any closer than a 15-point lead, 40-25, in the third quarter.
“My teammates were just finding me,” said May on what was working for him so well during the game. “Our point guard Alejandro (Ralat) was making some good passes and I was just able to make some open shots.”
May shot 50 percent from three and 10-for-13 overall. He also grabbed four boards and tied a team high with four steals.
“(This game) gives me a lot of confidence that I can continue to play well and help our team win,” May said.
Also, in his first year with the team and making his presence known was center Yussif Basa-Ama. The 16-year old from Ghana was a strong defensive presence for the Scots, as he was constantly able to intimidate his opponents just by his sheer presence in the paint.
He was nearly able to contribute a double-double with eight points and a game-high nine rebounds. The big man was able to fill the stat sheet in other ways as well with five assists, two blocks, and a steal.
“Yussif is definitely a dominating factor,” said St. Andrews head coach John O’Connell on his 6-9 junior’s defensive figure. “It’s just his presence there, the attention he attracts opens up things for everybody else.”
Certainly helped by the presence of Yussif was starting point guard Alejando Rolat, who was able to find Yussif along with other members of the team, dishing out a team-high six assists. He also scored eight points on 4-of-5 shooting and grabbed four steals.
With a current seven-game win streak and an undefeated record of 9-0 in district play, St. Andrews has at least guaranteed a shot at the title by clinching first place in the district.
Basa-Ama believes that his team has what it takes to make it far but “it just depends on how much we want it…our main goal is to bring a state championship to this school before we all leave.”
“It’s a brotherhood. We play for each other, fight for each other, we take care of our own, and I feel like that is the key thing that has helped us get where we are right now,” said Basa-Ama.
The St. Andrews Scots (17-3, 9-0) will continue to fight for each other this Friday night at St. John Paul II Academy. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
