Montverde Academy reminded the national basketball landscape on Sunday night that the standard remains unchanged.
Facing No. 1-ranked Prolific Prep in the championship game of the Signature bracket at the City of Palms Classic, the Eagles delivered a statement performance, defeating the nation's top-ranked team 78-73 to capture the title in Fort Myers.
Montverde Academy boys basketball, long synonymous with the No. 1 ranking, continues to show it belongs among the elite. The Eagles have now rattled off four straight victories and improved to 4-3 overall with one of the most impressive wins in the country this season.
MVA set the tone early and never relinquished control. The Eagles surged to a 25-13 lead by the end of the first quarter, shooting a scorching 90 percent (9-of-10) from the field in the opening period. By halftime, MVA had stretched the advantage to 45-31 and went on to lead virtually the entire contest. Prolific Prep's only lead was in the opening minute of the game.
The offensive balance was on full display, as all five starters scored in double figures. Dhani Miller led the way with 21 points and four assists, while Javion Tyndale added 16 points and a game-high six assists. Joe Philon III finished with 14 points, four rebounds and four assists, Oneal Delancy chipped in 12 points, and Derek Daniels posted a double-digit effort with 10 points and seven rebounds.
MVA efficiency was the difference. The Eagles shot over 58 percent from the floor (21-for-36), including an impressive 63 percent (10-for-16) from beyond the arc. They were equally effective at the free throw line, converting 84 percent (26 of 31). MVA also capitalized in transition, outscoring Prolific Prep 19-11 on fastbreak points.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Eagles now turn their attention to the post-holiday slate. MVAÂ returns to action at the Jordan Holiday Classic in New York City, opening play against Archbishop Stepinac on Saturday, December 27 at 6:30 p.m.
