Fanatic Summation of the Linden vs. Plainfield Game

Linden ranked #11 in the state came in to challenge the top ranked public school in NJ. Qadeer Lewis carried the Linden Tigers in the 1st quarter but the length of the Cardinals was too much. The Cardinals minimize all other scores for the Tigers. On a scale of 10 the Cardinals played a respectable 7.2.

Linden’s defensive game plan was impressive as it held the Cards to 8 1st period points. But the Card’s used the Tiger’s game plan and some to reverse the defensive pressure and hold Linden to 29 points in the final 3 periods.

The most disappointing period for the Cards was the 1st. Linden’s Qadeer Lewis singled handily nearly outscored the entire Cardinal offensive output in the 1st period. Lewis also grabbed several rebounds and was a defensive enforcer in the middle. The defensive intensity of the Tigers disrupted the Cardinals offensive flow. Linden held a 16 – 8 lead after the 1st period of play.

The most impressive period for the Cardinals was the 3rd. The Cardinals defensive pressure was at its peak. Mike Price disrupted the guards bringing the ball up court. A critical insertion of 6’4” Senior Nathan Grant-Dewitt caused match up problems for the Tigers. This insertion changed the course of the game. Nate is known for his 3 point precision, but his 6’4” frame forced Linden’s Lewis to man up on the 3 point specialist. This took Lewis away from the basket and Tyrone fully obliged by slamming one home in the paint amongst the smaller Tigers. Plainfield outscored Linden 15 – 7 during the 3rd period to take the lead and never look back.


The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) Linden – Senior Qadeer Lewis – 6’5” {ER – 26}*
Qadeer was the game high scorer with 24 points and game high rebounder with 9 pull downs. Lewis’s 57% shooting from the floor, 88% shooting from the foul line, and near error free basketball (1 turnover), helped the Tigers significantly in keeping the game competitive.

2) Plainfield – Sophomore Justin Sears – 6’7” {ER – 26}*
Justin was the second highest scorer for the Cardinals but his other efforts were impressive. Sears scored a season high 13 points, grabbed a team high 8 rebounds, and had a game high 4 rejections. Justin “Mr. Rejecter” Sears forced Linden into difficult shots through out the game. Justin had his best game this season against the 2nd highest ranked public school in the state with an error free performance (with the exception of 2 goal-tendings). Justin committed 0 turnovers in 32 minutes of play.

3) Plainfield – Junior Tyrone Johnson – 6’3” {ER – 16}
Tyrone continues to impress the critics. Mike Quick of MSG was in attendance for the 2nd time this week. MEDIA ALERT: watch MSG High School Weekly. Tyrone’s patience showed great leadership. With the Cards down 8 points, Tyrone “Mr. Collective” Johnson continued to display patience on the offensive end. Johnson led the Cards with 17 points, dropped 3 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds. Johnson shot a season high 89% by shooting high percentage shots and not forcing the issue.

4) Plainfield – Sophomore Dijon Allen-Jordan – 6’5” {ER – 13}
Dijon continues to impress. His defensive versatility, gives him the ability to defend any position. At 6’5”, Dijon can stick big men down low and with his quickness he can stick guards on the perimeter. Dijon’s clutch foul shooting (83%) and his defensive pressure on Linden’s sky walker Trell Myers pushed the Cardinals to victory.

5) Linden – Senior Trell Myers 6’3” {ER – 12}
Trell Myers sky walking act was on display. His slam dunk would probably have been a momentum shifter if he did not have his elbow stuck in the rim. He was called for the Technical foul (hanging on the rim) which calmed the Linden fans that made the trip. After having a great game against the #1 team in the Nation on Thursday (St. Patrick’s), Myers consistency showed against the Cards. Myers shot 50% from the floor, pick the pockets of the Cardinals twice, grabbed 4 rebounds, and play near error free basketball at the guard position with only 1 turnover...

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

*season high rating...