Miami Christian Rolls Past Padgett, Reno

Raul Orta, Guillermo Diaz, and Jesus Verdejo scored 57 of the 76 Miami Christian points in a victory over Reno High School and Kansas-bound senior David Padgett at the Slam Dunk to the Beach. The 15-point margin was an impressive win for Miami Christian, a team that possesses quite a bit of division one talent.

Diaz, who is headed to Miami of Florida, was simply outstanding. He hit 11 of 15 from the floor and surprised the crowd with a few high-rising dunks off his 6-1 frame. Diaz finished with 22 pionts. Orta was outstanding from the perimeter. He drained four of six from beyond the three-point line while Verdejo had a picnic going inside for driving layups. Jesus finished with 19 points.

Miami Christian spurted out to a 29-14 lead after the first eight minutes of play. The lead expanded to 19 points at the half. Reno made several attempts to get back in the game. Padgett was also outstanding in defeat. He ran the floor hard, hustled back on defense, blocked shots, rebounded, and showed a very nice offensive game. Padgett finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. He is a likely candidate for the McDonald's All American team.

The problem for Padgett was that Miami Christian had too much firepower and too much speed. They zipped past Reno defenders with ease in the first half, negating any chance for a Reno comeback. Reno didn't quick. Pete Padgett's team actually outscored Miami Christian in the second half. But the game was decided in the first half when Orta, Diaz, and Verdejo lit it up all over the court.