High School Hoops: No. 1 Findlay Prep Passes First Test of Crucial Stretch

Entering last night's game versus Houston Christian Life Center (TX), Findlay Prep found themselves sitting at 11-0 after withstanding several charges on the road from teams hungry to knock them off their throne. 

Last night had a different feeling.  It was the first game at the Pilots' home court, Henderson International School, where an opponent came in thinking they had a legitimate shot at pulling the upset. 

For the most part this season, the Pilots have run laps around the competition at home, winning by an average margin of 48.5 points per game.  It was apparent that the 12-1 Houston Christian squad came to Las Vegas with a swagger, as they conducted pregame warm-ups with a confidence that Findlay Prep had yet to see in their gym. 

Not only did Houston Christian have the swagger, they had the horses to compete with Findlay Prep.  Size-wise, it was an even match-up.  By tip-off, Houston Christian's players and coaches could be seen motivating themselves and firing each other up with chest bumps, loud chants and a bounce in their step that echoed throughout the gym. 

Once the game started, though, Findlay Prep silenced all the confident chatter quickly, hitting three consecutive three-pointers to jump out to an early 9-2 lead in the first 30 seconds of the game. 

From that point on Houston Christian had to play catch up, eventually succumbing to the defending national champions 96-80.

It was a game that will be remembered as Findlay Prep guard Marko Petrovic's coming-out party.  If the name sounds familiar, he is the nephew of the late, great Drazen Petrovic. 

Drazen paved the way for international players to compete in the NBA in the early '90s, as he stormed onto the scene in the 1991-93 seasons averaging 21.4 points per game for the New Jersey Nets. 

The Croatian was a lifetime 44 percent three-point shooter in the NBA before he lost his life in a tragic car accident amidst the prime of his career.  

The long-range touch apparently runs deep in the bloodlines, as Marko set career highs with 26 points and five three-pointers.  Watching Marko catch fire from downtown was eerily similar to watching his uncle at times.  His quick catch and release from long distance, and the confident stroll back down court before the ball even went in, gave the feel that for this one night, maybe Drazen was there in spirit. 

Also making things difficult for Houston Christian was the play of all-world point guard Cory Joseph.  Joseph shredded the defense all night, dribbling through and around his opponents at will. He finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.

Furthermore, guard Jabari Brown showed his ability to have a short memory, which is uncanny for a high school athlete.  Brown got off to a rocky start, going 1-of-6 from the field to start the game.  But he kept his shooter's mentality, hitting on six of his next nine shots from the field. He ended the game with a much-needed 22 points.

The tough stretch continues for Findlay Prep as they hop on a plane and work those frequent-flyer miles to Columbus, Ohio for the most anticipated high school basketball game of the season thus far. 

Thursday, Dec. 17 marks the match-up of No. 1 versus No. 4 in the nation, as the Pilots take on Columbus Northland (OH). It will be a stern test for Findlay Prep, as they face the consensus No. 1 big man in the nation, Jared Sullinger (Ohio State commit), live on ESPN at 7 p.m. EST.  

After that the road doesn't get any easier, as Findlay Prep travels to Fort Myers, Fla. to participate in the City of Palms tournament (Dec. 19-23) that features a handful of nationally ranked teams.