Janaz Jordan’s first offer is a big one
by Tamara Brown, recruit757
ESPNU featured BigFoot Hoops’ Las Vegas Classic Summer Basketball Tournament games between Team CP3 vs Team Final and Team Melo vs MOKAN Elite.
In this particular bracket, only four teams remained of “The 8” chosen to participate in the tournament.
Spring Valley High School was packed from ear to ear for both match ups and Team CP3 slipped away from Team Final to win and move on to the championship game on Friday afternoon against the winner of Team Melo and MOKAN Elite while Team Final will await the loser to play for third place.
Team Melo faced off against MOKAN Elite who was playing without USA Team Members, Michael Porter Jr and Trae Young.
The first few minutes of the first half was all Team Melo as they jumped out to an early lead after triples by Baltimore Polytech’s De’Vondre “Dre” Perry and Roselle Catholic’s Andre Rafus Jr.
Woodside’s Chris Orlina was also a huge factor in the first half as he provided a trio of deuces to keep Melo out front.
“It’s fun playing with Team Melo, it’s the closest thing to a brotherhood. They play my style of basketball hard nose basketball, and that plays a big role in our success this summer. I feel like every time I step on the court with those guys they have something to prove being from Baltimore like me,” said Orlina.
MOKAN Elite snuck in front just before the first half ended to give them a 39-31 advantage.
Orlina brought his team within one with just under 13 to go in the game and moments later Team Melo forced MOKAN to take a timeout as they took a 49-44 lead with 11:25 remaining.
“Playing in Vegas is always fun honestly and I’m here to have fun and show that I’m just as gifted like the other guys I match up with. At the end of the day it’s all about my team and winning and when you win as a team the offers will come,” said Orlina.
After consecutive scoreless possessions for both squads, MOKAN Elite forced two stops and converted on the other end to take a 71-67 edge.
A few free throws later and a crucial three pointer by Perry brought the game within one but MOKAN Elite scored a last second jumper to seal a 73-71 victory over Team Melo to advance to the championship against Team CP3.
Melo’s Perry led the way with 24 points and 8 rebounds and fellow Melo teammate and Mount Saint Joseph athlete, Darryl Morsell, received an offer from NCAA Champions, Villanova, succeeding the contest.
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