The City of Palms Classic is back in Fort Myers for a 51st edition, and the country's best talent is on display at Suncoast Credit Union Arena all weekend long. For the second consecutive year, Bishop Verot boys basketball claimed the victory in the Hugh Thimlar Tribute game, a game dedicated to the founder of the City of Palms Classic, defeating Charlotte High School 59-43.
"It feels great," said Bishop Verot head basketball coach Matt Herting. "One thing that really feels great is [Hugh Thimlar] was a really good friend of mine. So it means a lot to win here."
The Tarpons got out to an early lead, a 10-0 run giving them an eight-point advantage in the first quarter. But the Vikings would trade blows with them throughout the rest of the half, taking a one-point lead at the break.
In the third quarter, Verot started to pull away, but Charlotte kept finding ways to stay on its heels. It was the final frame that the Vikings turned up the heat, pulling out the 16-point win.
"We adjusted, of course [at halftime]," said Herting. "We did a really good job being patient, and the other guys did a real good job of buying in and getting Jerry the ball where he needed it. And the other guys did a good job of not forcing things and being patient, and work in the clock. I thought we just that overall did a really good job."
"We started down early, and we ended up chipping back slowly with efficient shots," said Verot senior Jerry Ashley. "It felt good. Two years in a row."
Ashley led all scorers with an impressive 30-point, 11-rebound double-double. Gavin Williams followed for the Vikings, scoring 10 points.
On the Tarpons' side, Jordan Attia chipped in 16 points and sank three triples. Both Attia and Ashley were named "Players of the Game."
There's a lot more action this week in the Classic, including Gateway Charter taking on Long Island Lutheran on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. The City of Palms continues through Monday, December 23. You can find a full schedule here .