Demitri Monovoukas Had His Way Against ReadingThe Mass & NH High School Basketball Report was on hand to watch 6'5" Senior forward Demitri Monovoukas drop 30 points on Reading on way to Lexington's 61 - 57 win at Reading Memorial High School. Monovoukas was the story in this one as he scored in every way possible including a dunk in transition, a baseline drive, offensive putbacks, a follow-up tip, as well as an impressive up-and-under. Most importantly, Monovoukas knocked down back-to-back threes in the fourth quarter to keep Reading at bay. Monovoukas also knocked down two big free throws in the last minute to put Lexington up for good.
Reading led 29-24 at the half behind 12 first half points from senior guard Trey Jones. Jones played the game a couple of gears faster than his opponents and found himself in the lane at will. Jones had some great passes tonight as he found teammate Jerry-Ellis Williams for some easy finishes around the basket.
Lexington would take its first lead of the night at 35-34 midway through the third quarter. Lexington's junior guard Chris O'Keefe would have 5 straight points to propel Lexington. Lexington would head into the fourth up 41-38. Lexington's Monovoukas (13 fourth quarter points) and Reading's junior guard Kenny Reed (9 fourth quarter points) would battle back and forth for the next eight minutes. Monovoukas broke a 57-57 tie with under a minute to play. Lexington would add two more free throws to close out the scoring.
Those who Impressed:
Demitri Monovoukas (6'5" sr. forward, Lexington) - Monovoukas showed that he can score the basketball in a variety of ways including stroking the three. He is active around the basket and has a nice touch. Monovoukas also showed that he can run the floor and finish in transition. Monovoukas was excellent tonight and a pleasure. He will benefit from his body filling in as he will be able to play more physical. He appears to be a late bloomer and will likely improve significantly as he continues to develop his skill set.
Trey Jones (5'10" sr. guard, Reading) - Jones had flashes of brilliance tonight as he showed us blazing speed as he left his defender in the dust on several occasions. He also had some great passes tonight and two sweet up-and-under finishes. Jones also got himself in some bad situations tonight and took some ill-advised shots and made some ill-advised passes. Jones is a talented guard and would be a nightmare if he played full-speed ahead the entire evening.
Chris Lee (6'5", jr. forward, Lexington) - Lee had 5 early points on this one on some physical play around the basket and a good looking pull-up. Lee has a great athletic body as he is strong and physical. Lee would benefit from some skill development both in the shooting and ball handling areas.
Jerry Ellis-Williams (6'5", jr. forward, Reading) - Ellis-Williams had some moments tonight as he had some nice finishes around the basket and some impressive rebounds. Ellis-Williams also showed he is able to step away and make shots. Ellis-Williams needs to play more physical, especially around the basket.
Kenny Reed (5'10", jr. guard, Reading) - Reed had a great fourth quarter as he scored on some nice finishes around the basket. On three different occasion, Reed also rebounded above the crowd in traffic. During these moments, he was fun to watch. Like his teammate Jones, Reed needs to play with intensity the entire evening.
Chris O'Keefe (6'2", jr. guard, Lexington) - O'Keefe had 5 straight points in the third quarter off a drive and a three to propel Lexington into the lead. O'Keefe had a great body and is effective when he uses it. O'Keefe skill set needs continued work if he wants to develop into an effective guard.
Drew Belcher (6'4", fr. forward, Reading) - Belcher has a great athletic body and used it to battle inside. He has great upside and his best days are ahead.
