Jaycob Morales Buzzer-Beater Sinks AndoverHow fitting that 6'0" point guard Jaycob Morales hit the game winning shot last evening with time expiring to give the Raiders a 59 - 56 win over Andover in front of a standing-room only crowd at Andover High School. The win moved Central Catholic to 13-0 in the MVC and 17-1 overall. The Warriors moved to 13 -4 on the season.
Morales played all 32 minutes, scoring a modest 10 points, in the Merrimack Valley Conference showdown between two of the best teams in Massachusetts last night never making his way to the bench for a break. The 32 minute performance shows just how important he is to the Raiders. And when he did make his way to the sidelines during a timeout or between quarters, Morales, like always, joined the coaching staff shouting out directions to his teammates.
Morales is your old fashion type of player. He has a brilliant basketball mind and understands the game. He plays real real hard, needs to win, and he coaches the team while he is on the floor. You need a momentum swing, Morales can't dunk it as he can probably just reach the rim. However, he'll find another way to make the big play. Frequently it's on the defensive end where he is often seen taking the big charge against the opponents best player. Not just once, he may take a charge twice, three, four, or even five times in one game. In a weeks work, Morales has as many charges as most players have in an entire high school career. Added to that, he gives you a six on five advantage every time he is on the floor as he both plays and coaches at the same time.
Yes, there are prospects better than Morales. Last night, Jimmy Zenevitch of Central Catholic proved why he is a top player in the State scoring 26 points including 14 points in a big fourth quarter rally by Central. Andover's Joe Bramanti was just as impressive as he had 22 points of his own and put Andover on his back much of the night. These two seniors have both had sensational senior campaigns and we have enjoyed watching them over the last four years. Zenevitch will head of to Assumption College on scholarship and Bramanti will likely travel to Prep School for a post grad year.
Having said that, Morales (a division 3 prospect) was the most Most Valuable Player on the floor last night. To take it a step further, Morales has played 18 games this season and has never been the best or most talented basketball player on the floor. But what he has been is the most important guy for a talented Raider basketball team. He just knows how to lead and win. Morales is just one of those guys that when you play pick up ball, and you have first pick, you are sure to call out his name. The reason is quite obvious, the losers sit. And Morales, he wants to win real bad and so don't you.
So last night it was fitting that Morales hit the shot to beat Andover and secure the Raiders undefeated (13-0) record in league play. He has earned a little of the spotlight.
