Super Soph Sparks Our Savior To Tourney Win

CENTEREACH, NEW YORK -- Juan Diego Tello Palacios, a super sophomore from Our Savior American in New York, scored 16 points to lead his team to a tournament victory, 68-60, over National Christian Academy of Maryland. This was the Maranatha Invitational held at Our Savior American.

Palacios, who is likely to be a high division one player by the time he is ready to graduate high school, showed an impressive display of medium range shooting.

But this wasn't easy for Palacios and his teammates. Several times during this contest, National Christian Academy possessed leads. The reasons why they were able to stay with Our Savior was due to the skills of Keith Blanks, the terrific junior combo forward.

Blanks, who sometimes operates as a point forward, broke down the Our Savior defense several times off the dribble. The lefty either hit a driving shot or found an open teammate for a basket. Blanks finished the game with 13 points and seven assists.

NCA led 19-18 after the first but entered the lockeroom at the half, tied at 36. NCA led by a point heading into the fourth, 51-50. But then Jamar Wilson, who is headed to Albany (a steal), took over. He hit some key perimeter shots to push Our Savior ahead early in the fourth quarter. Wilson then hit some clutch free throws to ice the game late in the fourth.

Wilson finished with 17 points while Ouma Sylla also had a solid game. He scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Sylla did an excellent job in rebounding on both ends. Lefty guard Walter Murray added 12 points for the winners.

Donnell King added 11 points and sophomore guard Earl Risby had nine. Injured Charlie Bell dressed, said he was ready, but did not play. Jabbar Young, who earlier stated he wouldn't play, did. You can read more on Young in our premium section.

Palacios was named the most valuable player of the tournament.