Saturday, January 26, 2008

Watch out for Jordan

COLUMBUS, GA -- Jordan High School showed why the defending AAA state champions remain perfect on Saturday night.

Thanks to a three-headed monster of Steve Peterson, Winfred Ivey and Terrence Hill, Jordan knocked out region foe Northside 88-70 on the road.

Jordan improved to 21-0 in convincing fashion. Peterson, a 6-foot-5 wing, was everywhere on the floor in the victory. The Morehead State bound prospect scored a game high 31 points. Peterson also recorded five rebounds, five steals and five assists in the win.

Ivey added 22 points while Hill put in 15 points. Jordan broke the game open in the middle of the second quarter thanks in large part to the scoring punch of Peterson while Ivey turned up the pressure in the second half, scoring in the lane and challenging Jordan's backcourt.

Northside was paced by big men John Drew (22 points) and Torin Walker (15 points, 13 rebounds and five assists).

Vincent, a 6-foot-9 junior, showed his worth from the high block and worked well with Drew, a commanding 6-3, 270-pound post. Vincent showed off a great set of hands and was a keen passer.

Northside was missing 6-10 junior James Vincent, who was out with a knee injury.

What we learned:

- Jordan is the real deal. The team loves to push the ball but it remains calm, cool and collected. It is organized speed with a team full of unselfish players. The AAA division is deep and the defending state champs could very well be making the trip to Macon. The only concern is the depth. Jordan doesn't go deep into the bench and relies on Peterson, Ivey and Hill to play 32 minutes each night.

- This was not Hill's best game but it is easy to see why the locals have called him the best senior in the area. The 6-foot guard can flat out shoot the ball with text book form and confidence.

- Morehead State has a major steal in Peterson.

- Northside has a star in the making in Walker. The 6-9 junior is skilled and turning the corner in his improvement. Physically, he's stronger. Mentally, he's smarter. His hands, as we mentioned, are great, and if and when Vincent returns to the rotation, watch out. Few teams in the state have that kind of 1-2 punch inside.