Vincent Douglas II got Springdale Prep jump-started and paced them throughout an irregular first half power outage, scoring nine of the team’s first 13 points.
While he finished with a game-best 19 points, the underrated 6-foot-5 Class of 2019 Douglas’ points were most vital as Springdale Prep came roaring back a deficit which swelled to 22 at the start of the second half. Springdale Prep capped its furiously spirited rally with a pulsating 65-55 win over Scotland Campus Sports in Mercersburg’s Stuff The Basket Showcase on Friday.
Douglas II, a guard out of Alabama, answered a layup by SCS’ Gerald Jarmon with a 3-pointer, bringing Springdale to within five, 52-47.
On Springdale’s ensuing possession, 6-foot-6 senior wing Olando Merrick got into the lane for a bucket. The Lions capped off the 7-2 run with a hard, thorough take to the rim through traffic from Kaream Carter.
After a technical foul was drawn by Scotland, Douglas II knocked back both free throws as the Lions took a 53-52 lead. Merrick bagged a 3-pointer on the next possession, as the Lions seized a 56-52 lead while simultaneously opening up a 9-3 run which they closed the game out on.
Before they frittered away a 39-20 halftime advantage, Scotland came out fluid offensively while the Lions struggled mightily during a drought.
Scotland built a 33-18 lead with a quick 13-0 run. Johannes Kirsippu started the run with a nifty move through traffic. Oli Jacqout followed with a Euro step layin, Aime Ciza got free for a bucket and Kirsippu bagged a transition 3-pointer.
The Knights (5-1) added on to their lead at the start of the second half. Soon, however, Springdale thwarted the lull in scoring and authored a dramatic comeback win. Jarmon led Scotland with 12 points. Kirsippu added 10.
