GAMES
RANKINGS
THE GRIND: MVP Fikes adds different facets to game
DEADRIC FIKES HAD A BREAKOUT JUNIOR SEASON, LEADING DAVIS TO A DISTRICT 14-6A TITLE AND EARNING A DISTRICT MVP SELECTION.
He doesn’t see it that way.
“It wasn’t really a big surprise,” he said. “Me and the team just put in so much work in the offseason and the summer, so when we got to the season, we were ready. We knew what we were capable of and the work paid off.”
It is scary to think what another offseason and summer can do for the All-Region selection and the Falcons, heading into 2023-24.
“I really worked on my three-point ability to stretch the defense,” he said. “As a senior leader, it was also important for me to work on my ball movement to get my teammates more involved. That is how we are going to go deeper in the postseason.
“Coach (Chris) Packer has really put me in a leadership position and has taught me what goes into that. I am grateful for his mentorship.”
Basketball is self-admittedly Fikes’ life and he takes his craft seriously.
“It’s all basketball, all the time,” he said. “If I’m not playing or working out, I’m watching the game. I love
to pick up small, little things from watching pro players and trying to put it into my game. That’s what I love about the sport. You can create your game how you like it.”
The ultimate goal, of course, is to find a home at the next level to continue his basketball journey.
“That’s the goal,” he said. “I’m just looking for an opportunity in college. Whatever God has in store for me, is the direction I will follow.”
THE WRAP: Episcopal wins the VYPE Holiday Invitational; Awards, and full photo gallery
As is the case each Winter, the annual VYPE Holiday Invitational powered by Daspit Law Firm was full of intrigue, which was expertly demonstrated by the back-and-forth battle in the Championship game at the M.O. Campbell Center Friday night.
The Final featured a clash between private and public school powerhouses -- Episcopal and Katy Jordan -- and it certainly lived up to the billing.
By the end of the first half, the advantage belonged to Episcopal who held a 34-32 lead against Jordan. Every point was earned on both sides, which carried over into the final 16 minutes of the contest.
The Warriors were as proficient as ever, with Jonah Folse (21 points) leading the team in scoring after drilling seven shots beyond the three-point line, alongside Eljah Black (12 points) and Jaden Holt (10 points).
However, Justin Begg (George Mason-commit) and company would prove their mettle, as the Knights gradually pulled away in the fourth quarter to win the championship by the slim margin of 66-64.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Begg scored 22 points in the contest, earning him the title of Tournament MVP.
Jakeel Registe (20 points) and Brandon Thomas (8 points) were some of the additional headliners that propelled Episcopal to victory.
Justin Begg receives the Tournal MVP AwardJackson DiPasquale (VYPE)
...
In a heated semifinals prior to the championship game, Episcopal knocked off Cy Springs, 71-57, in another matchup between private and public school basketball. Jakeel Registe scored 22 and Justin Begg added 15 points as the Knights had a 19-6 run in the third to stretch the lead. Stoney Hadnot lead the Panthers as he had 24 points for Cy Springs.
The Katy Jordan Warrior guard-play was impressive and the TWCA three-point shooters went cold as Jordan won 60-48 in the other semifinal. Jaden Holt (17 points) and Elijah Black played keep-away, not turning the ball over, while igniting the offense on the break.
...
TOURNAMENT AWARDS
MVP
Justin Begg, Episcopal
...
ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Stoney Hadnot, Cy Springs
Jaden Holt, Jordan
Howie Keene, TWCA
Jakeel Registe, Episcopal
SJ Young, Willis
...
HONORABLE MENTION
Chandler Beasley, Willis
Jacob Carrizalez, Milby
Deadric Fikes, Aldine Davis
Scottie Guillory, Tompkins
Lucas Hobin, Strake Jesuit
Ray Jackson III, Manor
Lorenzo Robinson, Aldine
Jason Scott, Westbury Christian