Fanatic Summation of the Elizabeth vs. Plainfield Game

On a scale of 10, the Cardinals played an 8.5. Elizabeth kept the game interesting in the first half with the hot shooting of J.R. Pringley. Plainfield adjusted well in the 2nd half creating multiple turnovers with their pressure defense. A combination of Tyrone Johnson hot shooting and the Cardinals dominating the boards, Plainfield was able to pull away for the victory.

The most disappointing period for the Cardinals was the 1st. Elizabeth’s 6’6” junior, J.R. Pringley took advantage of the Cardinal's lethargic start. Pringley dropped Elizabeth’s first 7 points to give the Minutemen their only lead of the game 7 – 6 midway through the 1st period.

The best period was the 3rd. The Cardinals swarming defense created multiple turnovers. The defensive intensity limited the number of touches for the hot shooting Pringley. The Cardinals were able to hold the Minutemen to 7 third period points. The hot shooting Johnson connected on 4 – 4 shooting including a three pointer. The twin towers of Mike Williams and Justin Sears created havoc with their length grabbing rebounds, collecting steals and starting fast breaks off of turnovers for easy transitional buckets which led to 20 points scored in the 3rd period.

The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) Plainfield – Junior Tyrone Johnson – 6’3” {ER – 36}*
Johnson returned strong after a sub par performance against St. Pats. Johnson scored the highest efficiency rating breaking the season high rating set 2 days ago by the #1 player in the Nation, Michael Gilchrist {ER – 33}. Johnson dropped a season high 30 points and missed a double-double by 1 rebound. Johnson shot a blazing 88% from below the arc and 3 – 5 (60%) from above the arc.

2) Plainfield – Sophomore Justin Sears – 6’7” {ER – 23}
Justin played above the rim against the Minutemen. For the first game this season, Justin did not have a rejection. But Justin made up for that by giving a double-double performance. Sears grabbed a game high 10 rebounds, scored 12 points, had a game high 3 steals and tied (Sekou Harris) for game high in assists. Justin excited the front row Cardinal Fanatics with a full court drive for a slam.

3) Elizabeth– Junior J.R. Pringley– 6’6” {ER – 22}
J.R. Pringley single handily kept the Minutemen within striking distance. Pringley, who has family ties in the Queen City, shot 62% from below the arc, and the 6’6” junior shot 67% from the 3. Pringley had a team high 22 points and led the Minutemen in rebounds.

4) Elizabeth – Senior Jihad Wright – 6’5” {ER – 9}
Jihad bruising defense limited the damage in the paint against the twin towers of Plainfield. With Pringley assisting the guards, Jihad was the only interior presence on the offensive end. Wright was the second highest scorer for the Minutemen. Wright was perfect from the foul line and shot 50% from the floor.

5) Plainfield – Senior Mike Williams 6’7” {ER – 8}
William’s height gives him the ability to shoot over most opponents. His midrange game is getting noticed. He picked up the slack on the defensive end to lead the game in rejections. William’s also shot perfect from the free throw line

The efficient rating was based on shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and turnovers.

*Breaks St. Patrick’s Michael Gilchrist season high efficiency rating of 33.