SPRINGFIELD, MA- Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a great day for Cliff Alexander [Curie (IL)] and for the reputation of Chicago basketball.
Kansas class of 2014 commit, Chicago native 6’9-240-pound Alexander was sensational in Curie’s 73-69 stunner of previously unbeaten Montverde (Fla.). A loss that ended a impressive two-year, 23-game winning streak for Montverde.
Alexander showed the nation he can shoot free throws (8-for-8) and pass out of double-teams while scoring 30 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking five shots. He scored 13 points in the final five minutes and even made two clinching free throws with 17 seconds remaining.
Curie trailed by 12 points in the fourth quarter and still beat the nation’s No. 1 team. Condors came from behind with a 15-0 run after trailing 59-47 early in the fourth quarter.
Chris Egi vs Cliff Alexander
Among insiders entering this battle it was always a ‘David vs Goliath’ match up for Montverde’s lone Canadian Chris Egi. Markham, Ontario native Egi only scored 2 points despite being a double digit scoring threat all season long.
For example, Cliff Alexander entering Mondays showcase was a top-5 2014 class talent in America.
Egi was the 100th-best prospect and 11th-best center in the 2015 class. Recently Egi chose to reclassify into the class of 2014 and made himself eligible to play next season after commiting to Harvard.
In 2013-14 Egi has played well transitioning schools from north to south of the border. Coach Kevin Boyle recently mentioned Egi as the most improved player on his squad. One that consists of a collection of all-stars ranked No. 1 nationally by USA Today.
Montverde Academy head coach Kevin Boyle giving Chris Egi instructions.
About the Monday performance, Egi told Hoops Hype Canada reporters via text,
“Yeah it was a tough one he [Cliff Alexander] played great (and) we didn’t I didn’t” Egi admitted.
Also reiterating nothing to be concerned about,
“I can be better I will be better.”
Rematch Different Story?
Do you think Curie would of beaten Montverde, or perhaps Egi and his Eagles would’ve had a better performance if they didnt play 4 games in the same weekend?
Egi protecting the Canadian rim vs Team USA at the 2013 U19 World Championships.
Some food for thought…
Montverde did play 4 games in 5 days and had to travel from Missouri (Bass Pro Shop Championships) to Massachusetts (Spalding Hoop Hall Classic). Fresh off lifting a crown, 36 hours they went down to the wire in a showcase game on national television.
NCAA scout on the specific Egi vs Alexander matchup,
“You put him [Chris Egi] up against Cliff (Alexander) in different circumstances I don’t think Alexander would of dominted like he did.”
Adding “One thing ill say about Egi he is a great defender and is one of the reasons Montverde has been great all year, yesterday was not him.”
Hmmm
The Marathon continues for Montverde & Egi.
Follow Chris Egi on twitter during his journey to Harvard and beyond.
Follow Montverde Basketball on twitter on their quest to a national championship.
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