Curie Moves Up After Defeating No.1 Montverde

Yesterday, the Curie Condors (IL)basketball team traveled to Springfield (Ma.) to take on No. 1 ranked

Montverde Academy (Fl.) in an epic match up for the Hoophall Classic basketball tournament.

The Hoophall Classic is an excellent opportunity for each teams’ elite basketball players to show off their talents in front of college coaches around the country and on national television.

Senior center, Cliff Alexander of the Curie Condors, was able to grab hold of the spotlight. Standing at 6-9, Alexander stepped up against the #1 ranked team in the nation, and showed why he is one of the best prospects in the nation right now.

In the match up, Alexander downed 30 points, had 13 rebounds and blocked five shots, paving the way for a 73-69 win over Montverde (FL) the No. 1 team in the DigitalSports National Basketball Ranking.

Montverde is no pushover either, having seven committed D1 athletes on the roster, and arguably one of the best offensive teams out there. In fact, Montverde led Curie 59-47 early in the fourth quarter.

Alexander was held to 15 pts. in three quarters, but played some inspiring ball in the final quarter with his team down 12. Alexander displayed great poise and drive as he dismantled the Montverde defense, having two slam dunks on consecutive possessions. Alexander led a 21-5 pt. run that gave the Condors the lead for good.

Montverde bounced back with a late three-pointer to come within two, with 17 seconds to play, but Montverde was forced to foul Alexander who drilled both free throws and ended the game with a 73-69 Curie victory.

Joseph Stamps notched 20 pts. for the Condors now (16-1).

Key Player:

Cliff Alexander: 30 points 8-8 FT 12 boards 5 blocks

Curie (IL) 73
Montverde (FL) 69

Curie Scoring
Cliff Alexander 30, Joseph Stamps 20, Josh Stamps 8, Malik Washington 6, Alondre Pickens 3, Devin Gage & Kamar Marshall & Marcus Gatlin 2

Montverde Scoring
D’Angelo Russell 17, Ben Simmons 14, Jordan Caroline & Makinde London 12, Justin Bibbs 7, Jalyn Patterson 5, Chris Egi 2