Karl Towns - 2014 Metro Classic

[UKPhilly]

Karl Towns - St. Joseph (Met.) H. S. [/B](Metuchen, NJ) - Committed to Kentucky - Feb. 16 lost to #3 ranked Montverde Academy (Orlando, FL) 70-79; 7'-1", 248 lbs, C, ranked #7 in class of 2014 - 7 FG; 1 3-Pt; 5 FT; 22 Pts; 11 Reb; 4 PF; 4 A; 2 Blk; 0 Stl; in 31 minutes. After seeing Karl and his team lose 73-45 to DeMatha Catholic in the HoopHall Classic in Springfield, MA, last month, I didn't think they had much of a team. However, in their game with Montverde they showed some real talent. They just need a 6'8" player to help promising sophomore Breein Tyree (17 pts). Montverde, led by D'Angelo Russell (24 pts, 6R, 7A) and Ben Simmons (24 pts, 7 R), start 4 D-1 commits, with 3 more coming off the bench. St. Joseph was up by 5 at the end of the 3rd quarter, but were outscored 22-8 in the 4th, due to a combination of St. Joe players being tired, Montverde stepping it up, and for some reason, the St. Joe's coach not calling time outs (have no idea what he was saving them for!). Even though he showed instances of being tired, I was more than impressed with his game. He is very versatile for a 7'- 1" player and will probably be a 4-5 at UK. By the way, if Karl is truly 7'-1" then Ben Simmons is at least 6'-11" and not the listed 6'-8". Karl looks to pass and made many nice passes, including ¾ court-length pass leading to a layup, as well as a little dish from under the hoop. Also had a nice behind the back pass from the wing to a teammate in the corner. Had a nice fall-away J from the baseline. Has some nice back-to-the-basket moves from low. There were times Karl was tired - tired like open mouth and bending over tugging on shorts tired - but usually he played through that and ran hard. Playing all but about 40 seconds, St. Joseph could not afford to have Karl out of the game. Again, why was the St. Joe's coach not calling time outs? Refereeing in north Jersey is horrible and has a reputation for not calling fouls. Karl got into foul trouble, but could have fouled out without some home-cooking from the refs. Down low, he had a real battle with junior Ben Simmons, who is LSU bound. Karl's dad said Karl will be going to Lexington in May and can't wait to get there and is looking forward to playing with his friend, Dakari, next year!