Jordan Brand Classic Regional Entertains

BROOKLYN, NY - On Friday at the Barclays Center, the Jordan Brand Classic featured the top talent in the world, the nation but also the tristate area during the Regional Game in which Team New York easily took down Team East, 148-128.

The players from New York, dominated the game throughout with especially strong play from Unique McLean. The UMass bound guard netted 20 points in the first half alone and was heading for MVP level numbers but told NYCHoops.net that he was denied access to the ball in the second half. “They kept the ball away from me,” he said.

Other players who shined in the opening half were UConn bound Mamadou Diarra with monstrous dunks and Taurean Thompson who was virtually unstoppable. Other than Dylan Painter who did work down low, Team East could not keep pace with the New York squad and trailed, 67-52 at the half.

The second half fared no better for the out-of-state team as Team New York team’s lead increased to 20 points with about eight minutes left to play. Harvard bound Bryce Aiken began to step it up as did Elijah Pemberton and Myles Powell but it would be too little too late.

A strong second half by the uncommitted Thompson along with Tulsa commit Travis Atson would eventually topple Team East with Thompson taking home MVP honors with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Atson finished with 25 point and 3 assists while McLean added 24 points and 8 rebounds.

Team East’s MVP was Pemberton who led his team with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Aiken contributed 20 points and 7 assists along with Asante Gist who pitched in 17 points and 6 assists.