By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As far as first impressions go, Dan Roser’s Eastridge boys’ basketball team may have a difficult time topping Friday night’s opening quarter.
Six different players scored during the first eight minutes when the Lancers sprinted to a 30-point advantage on their way to an 87-61 win over Monroe in Al Masino Memorial Tip-Off Tournament action.
Emmanuel Leftenant scored 14 points to lead the way.
Emmanuel Leftenant has 9 in the first 5 minutes. pic.twitter.com/ynvJJEDBqG
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) December 4, 2021
“We had some good scrimmages coming into this game,” Roser said. “The kids came out ready to play. They were taking good shots. That’s really what it came down to.”
Leftenant scored on three straight trips down the floor to force a timeout less than 90 seconds into the game with Eastridge ahead 8-0. Later in the quarter, the junior guard scored on four of five trips as Eastridge started at a blistering pace that saw the Lancers produce points on 18 of 22 first-quarter possessions.
“We were getting out in transition, getting some easy buckets and then we started making some threes in the half-court,” Roser added. “It’s one of the strengths of these guys. They’re all super-quick, super-athletic. As long as we can get the rebound the ball and get out, that’s when we’re at our best.”
Caquan Wester put aside any chance of a second-half rally from Monroe. The 6-foot-6 forward scored 12 of his game-high 20 points in the third quarter.
Emmanuel Leftenant alley to Caquan Wester opens the third quarter. pic.twitter.com/gTBgXEAbk2
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) December 4, 2021
Wester and Leftenant combined on an alley oop in the third quarter’s first possession with Wester rising above the defense for a slam. The senior delighted the home court with a pair of slams in the quarter.
“We try to push it as much as we can,” Roser said. “They did a good job of finding each other in transition and getting some easy baskets.”
Leftenant added 17 points in the win. Teammates Zy Switzer, Emmanuel Torres, Jaden Gamble, Cordell Young and Ju Ju Pittman scored eight apiece. Anthony Bennett scored six points with Lovell Johnson (2), Keagan Coleman (1) and Jayden Reese (1) rounding out the scoring on night when each Lancer contributed at least one point.
Board and bucket: Cordell Young. @EastridgeHoops 13-0 early. pic.twitter.com/qYxdXBtVm9
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) December 4, 2021
Jaquon Shears led Monroe with 16 points. The 6-foot-2 junior forward matched Wester (and maybe then some) with some of his own high-flying action. Felton Gray and Davion Jones added 14 apiece for the Redjackets. Khalil Graham scored five with Jeremiah Kpor (4), Antonio Borrero (4), Javel Tanksley (2) and Tyrece Stewart contributing to the final count.
Jaquon. Shears. Save some for the second half. 😀 pic.twitter.com/PPkbTBakrl
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) December 4, 2021
Eastridge will play Leadership Academy in Saturday’s championship game. Monroe faces NE Douglass in the consolation game.
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