By: Evan Long
On Dec. 1, the Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) Sharks took on the University Christian School (UC) Fighting Christians at home. The Sharks started the game out strong, outscoring UC 19-8 in the first quarter. After a 10-10 second quarter, PVHS led 29-18, going into halftime. Despite the Christians outscoring PVHS 18-16 in the third quarter and 23-21 in the fourth, it wasn’t enough as the Sharks came out with a big 66-59 win. Jacksonville University senior commit, Maddox Palmer went nuclear as he put up 27 points and 15 rebounds for his first double-double on the season. Palmer also paired it up with 4 steals and 2 blocks. Other key contributors were senior, Ryan Speace with 15 points, senior, Jordan Montague had 7 points and 10 rebounds, and senior, Noah Simmons had 6 assists. With the win, the Shark’s record improved to 3-2 as they take on Bartram Trail High School at home on Dec. 3.
On Dec. 3, PVHS took on the Bartram Trail High School (BTHS) Bears at home. The Sharks were electric in the first half outscoring BTHS 20-10 in the first quarter, and 25-7 in the second leading to a 45-17 lead at halftime. The Sharks didn’t slow down in the third quarter, outscoring the Bears 18-10, resulting in a 70-35 blowout win at home. PV had many double-digit scorers as Palmer led the team in points with 20, sophomore, Tyler Kroog had 12, which paired with his 4 steals on defense, Sophomore, Tyler Speace put up 11, and Ryan Speace matched his brother with 11 points. After the big win, Tyler Speace said, “We dominated all game, and it should be the expectation for the rest of the season.” The huge win propels the Shark’s record to 4-2 and 3-1 at home. PVHS looks to continue the recent success against their rivals, the Nease High School Panthers at home on Dec. 5.
“We dominated all game, and it should be the expectation for the rest of the season.”
tyler speace (10)
On Dec.5, the Sharks stayed home against their rival, the Nease High School Panthers. The Sharks lost on a heartbreaking 69-66 loss after a troubled shooting performance all around shooting 41% from the field, 8% lower than the team’s average. Palmer had a season high 40-point game to pair up with his 6 rebounds. Simmons was also a key contributor with 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and no turnovers. The Sharks look to have a redeeming win in the Sharks’ first district game of the season at Beachside High School against the Barracudas on Dec. 9.
On Dec. 9, PVHS traveled to Beachside High School to take on the Barracudas. The Sharks started off hot leading Beachside 18-8 in the first quarter and 22-4 in the second, resulting in a 40-12 lead for Ponte Vedra going into the half. The Sharks continued their domination outscoring the Barracudas 31-23 in the second half, giving the Sharks a big 71-35 win in their first district game of the season. Palmer recorded his second double-double of the season with 24 points and 11 rebounds. The Sharks defense stood strong forcing 16 turnovers and holding Beachside to a 36% field goal percentage. Ponte Vedra looks to show out in the Windermere Prep Tournament in Orlando starting on Dec. 18.
Pictured: Maddox Palmer (12) making a play on a Bartram opponent (@fenneyflics).
