By VYPE Hoops Insider Ray Meach
Last night two of Houston's top sophomores met on the hardwood. Hightower's 6'3" guard, Bryce Griggs, is VYPE's top prospect in the class of 2022 while Crosby's 6'1" PJ Haggerty comes in right behind Griggs.
A true hoop enthusiast understands that these two players meeting in a playoff environment, where the game counts for something more than bragging rights, was the perfect platform. Two of Houston's best with two completely different styles of play set out to make their mark on hundreds who are watching them for the first time.
Griggs started the game out with a bang and a chip on his shoulder. It was obvious to everyone in the stands that he wanted to show the city why he held the top spot. He engaged from the opening tip, exploding for 19 points and 6 steals in the first quarter. The strong start put Hightower in a good position for the remainder of the game to secure the victory. Griggs went on to finish the game with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists.
Haggerty struggled to get it going early but showed poise and didn't let it take him out of the game mentally. This kid is a player and does a good job of getting to the charity stripe. PJ's 28 points and 7 rebounds came from a slow grind of moving without the ball and banging the boards for rebounds.
Hightower and Griggs won this match up, but there is so much more to take away from last night's match.
These two young bulls didn't shy away from one another; there was no bad blood, no dirty plays.
Griggs and Haggerty played the way they always do while under the bright playoff lights with the Houston basketball community out to watch.
It was good for the city, and it sets the tone of what is to be expected in. It's been a long time coming and a much needed hit of the reset button on our mentality when it comes to competition in Houston.
Next up - Tramon Mark & Marcus Williams vs LJ Cryer! This will be fun...