Duncanville entered as the No. 1 squad in the MaxPreps Top 25, which ranks all teams that play for state championships, while Montverde Academy is No. 1 in the Academy School-only MaxPreps National Top 20.
The Eagles of Montverde (4-2) dominated the first quarter, out-rebounding Duncanville 19-5 to take a 19-8 lead. But the Panthers completely flipped the script in the middle quarters, outscoring the perennial national powerhouse 45-24, including 23-7 in the second quarter. That put them up 52-43 heading into the final quarter.
The Panthers (10-0) used their high pressure half-court defense to make Montverde uncomfortable and take the lead. The Eagles also played into the game-plan as they turned the ball over 19 times trying to match the high-tempo pace of the loaded Texas public school.
Duncanville celebrates Thursday's wild victory.
Photo by Darin Sicurello
But Montverde hasn't won multiple national championships by standing still.
The Eagles stormed back in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to one midway through. The game see-sawed from there before
Rasaun Collier scored his only two points of the game on a put-back to give Duncanville a 64-61 advantage with just over one minute remaining.
The Eagles answered right back with a 3-pointer from the corner by
Kwame Evans Jr.. to tie the game at 64-64.
Following an
Anthony Black turnover on the other end, Montverde Academy had a chance to take the final shot but Evans was fouled when backing down his defender with 7.1 seconds remaining. After nailing a pair of free throws to give the Eagles a 66-64 lead, the Panthers raced down the court and found the hot hand.
Demings pump-faked his defender, stepped to the left and drained the 3-pointer as time expired.
Demings finished with a team-high 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting and 5-of-8 from 3-point range. Teammate
Ronald Holland chipped in 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Five-star Duke signee
Dariq Whitehead was impressive despite the loss, finishing with 24 points, three rebounds and three assists on 11-of-17 shooting.
Duncanville's Ronald Holland had 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Photo by Darin Sicurello
Duncanville's Davion Sykes drives against Montverde Academy defender Dariq Whitehead.
Photo by Darin Sicurello
Duncanville's stifling defense helped key the win Thursday.
Photo by Darin Sicurello
