Jefferson powers past Eagle Academy 80-59

Thomas Jefferson got a combined 50 points from Kareem Welch (31) and Jaquan Carlos (19), as the Orange Wave used a strong second half to power past Eagle Academy 80-59 in the Brooklyn Bridge Holiday Classic at George Westinghouse High School in Brooklyn on Saturday. In a game with endless whistles, it seemed as if Welch lived at the free throw line, while Carlos was not only proficient from the perimeter, but terrific off the bounce, converting challenging finishes at the rim, especially in the second half.

Although Eagle Academy was able to advance the ball against Jefferson's relentless full-court press, no easy task in and of itself, at times the Bronx PSAL AA contenders were rushed into shots in the frontcourt, creating opportunities for the Orange Wave in transition. The Eagles did manage to pull within four at 43-39 after a 3-pointer by Michael Caldero midway through the third, but that was as close as they got in the second half. Jefferson answered with a 9-0 run, triggered in part by a bench technical on Eagle Academy that led to a pair of Welch free throws, and adorned with a gorgeous scoop by Carlos, and the Orange Wave had suddenly stretched it to 52-39. They were in control the rest of the way. 

Caldero led Eagle Academy with 17 points while Damarco Watson scored 16.

Jefferson was ranked 7th in New York State and ranked 5th in New York City by the New York State Sportswriters on December 18th.

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