By: Evan Long
On Jan. 8, the Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) Sharks stayed home for the first game of the new years against the Columbia High School Tigers. The Sharks looked strong in a 54-47 win over the Tigers. Jacksonville University senior commit, Maddox Palmer led the way with 22 points and 6 rebounds to pair up with his defensive masterclass with 5 steals and 4 blocks. Sophomore, Tyler Kroog ended the night with 12 points to pair up with his 5 assists. PVHS looks to dominate against Fernandina Beach High School in the Nassau Vs Duval showcase on Jan. 10.
On Jan. 10, PVHS took on the 5-9 Fernandina Beach High School Pirates in the Nassau Vs Duval showcase. After an amazing first half of defense for the Sharks, they went into the half leading 38-16. The Sharks stayed consistent only allowing 14 points in the second half, ending with a huge 69-30 win over the Tigers. PVHS had many key playmakers as senior, Noah Simmons led the team with 11 assists to pair up with his 2 steals. Junior, Chase Cowan shot an impressive 6 for 7 from the field for his 12 points, his season high. The Sharks improve to 10-5 and look to continue their 3-game win streak against San Jose Preparatory High School at home on Jan. 13.
“It was a tough game but we fought hard until the end and won it, showing that we won’t give up mid game and we stay locked in.”
Tyler Speace (10)
On Jan. 13, PVHS took on the 15-3 San Jose Preparatory High School Storm at home. The Sharks entered the game hot, outscoring the Storm 19-11 in the first quarter and 18-12 in the second quarter, giving them a big 37-23 lead going into the half. After only allowing 8 points in the third leading 54-31 going into the fourth quarter, the 24-point surge by San Jose wasn’t enough as PVHS ends with a big 70-55 win at home. Senior, Ryan Speace led the team with 19 points going 8 for 11 from the field. Cowan and Palmer both had 10 points, making 4 shots from the field. The Sharks will travel to Fletcher High School to take on the Senators on Jan. 14.
On Jan. 14, PVHS traveled to face the Fletcher High School (FHS) Senators. After a strong first quarter defensive showing, only allowing 8, the defense collapsed in the second quarter, allowing 23 points resulting in a 15-31 deficit going into the half. PVHS looked for a comeback in the second half. After outscoring FHS 19-8 in the third quarter, the Sharks put up 23 points of their own in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback in a close 65-58 win at FHS. Palmer looked unstoppable on the court, putting up 38 points with a 63% field goal percentage to pair up with his 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Cowan was also a key contributor, dropping 8 points to show his impressive 3 game run, dropping 12, 10, and 8 points. PVHS comes back home to face Creekside High School on Jan. 16.
On Jan. 16, PVHS faced off against the Creekside High School (CHS) Knights. After a close first quarter with the Knights leading 12-13, PVHS bounced back with a 20 point second quarter resulting in a 32-24 lead going into the half. The Sharks continued their dominance in the second half, outscoring the Knights 35-22 leading to a huge 67-46 win, giving the Sharks an insane 6-game win streak, their longest of the season. Palmer led the way with a team leading 25 points and 9 rebounds. Kroog had a knight from the perimeter, shooting 4-7 on three pointers giving him 14 points on the night. Cowan also had a game putting up 10 points to pair up with his 7 rebounds. The now 13-5 Sharks look to continue their recent dominance at home against a very talented Providence School on Jan. 20.
Pictured: Maddox Palmer (12) passing the basketball (@fenneysflics)
