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Anthony Knowles stars as Mater Lakes cruises past Miami Christian

Bears start slow but still win by 44

HIALEAH, FLORIDA – Led by sophomore point guard Anthony Knowles, the Mater Lakes Academy Bears overcame a slow start to cruise past the Miami Christian Victors, 87-43. The Bears, ranked fifth in our latest SBLive Sports' Florida Boys Basketball Power 25 poll, used a 24-point second quarter to route the Victors after holding just an 8-4 advantage after eight minutes. Knowles finished with 11 points and four steals while taking three charges as the Bears improved to 19-3.

The defensive pressure of sophomore Anthony Knowles allowed Mater Lakes overcome a rough shooting start and cruise to an 87-43 win over Miami Christian. It was the Bears 19th win of the season.

The defensive pressure of sophomore Anthony Knowles allowed Mater Lakes overcome a rough shooting start and cruise to an 87-43 win over Miami Christian. It was the Bears 19th win of the season.

Playing their first game in eight days, Mater Lakes Academy appeared a bit out of rhythm while struggling to connect from the field in the first quarter. Despite open looks, the Bears were greeted by an unwelcome rim at home, especially from the perimeter. Much of the same occurred for Miami Christian, who failed to hit a field goal until the 1:30 mark of the period. Behind Knowles and junior small forward Christian Reid, Mater Lakes Academy would turn on the jets in the second quarter. The 6-foot-5 Reid scored eight of his 16 points in the period as the Bears opened up a 32-14 advantage at halftime.

A 55-point second half behind efficient perimeter shooting by senior guard Michael Bradley would turn a once close outing into a comfortable win for the Bears. Bradley, who came into the contest tied for third in the state with 73 3-pointers, hit two in the half to finish with eight points. Junior shooting guard’s Khalil Volel and Clarence Burts also hit two 3-pointers each in the game. 6-foot-6 junior forward Rolph Blanc added a presence with his length and athleticism to finish with 16 points.

“I think it’s just a matter of being mature and disciplined,” said Mater Lakes head coach Dylan Estock on the start. “Just playing consistent every single game and not worrying about who’s in front of you. Just worrying about taking care of ourselves. That is going to be the biggest thing. Our team knows how good we are. When we can put it all together, we’re pretty solid. I think its just about playing at that level. Playing at the elite level we’re capable of playing at and being able to sustain that. Not going on these rollercoaster runs. We’ve been off for a little bit and I think in the first quarter it showed that for sure.”

Sophomore shooting guard Enmanuel Cheung led Miami Christian with 21 points, including 14 in the second half. The 6-foot-2 Cheung used his power and broad frame off the dribble to carve into the paint for a majority of his points. Built like a forward, he also led Miami Christian with seven rebounds. Junior forward Kristopher Gutierrez added 10 points on two 3-pointers. The Victors received points from just two other players.

With its scoring hindered, the Bears’ tone would start from its defense. Knowles, who averages nearly two steals per outing, set the barometer by providing strong on-ball pressure which led to turnovers and points in transition. He also leads the team in assists (5.8 apg) and is third in scoring (12.7 ppg). A tough-minded player, Knowles is one reason why Mater Lakes Academy is a contender for a state championship. The Bears fell to eventual champion Calvary Christian Academy in the Class 4A state tournament last season.

“We started off pretty slow and not really playing defense,” said Knowles. “But then we started playing our game and playing defense. We started getting shots and stopped being selfish. I just need to play my part and do everything I can (for a championship). Facilitate, score, whatever I have to do to make us win.”