Rising Stars Summer Basketball

Steimle, Kerr Lead Duke

Past Villanova In Finals

Duke wasn’t about to rest on its laurels, but a 13-point halftime lead surely had the Blue Devils eyeing a Rising Stars Summer Basketball championship at Treadwell Park back on August 31.

The Devils, though, had to hold off a furious rally from Villanova to secure a 56-51 win. The Wildcats rallied back on the strength of 20-point effort from Austin Jones and some great all-around play by Ishan Tatake.

Co-MVP Taylor Steimle canned 10 fourth-quarter points (with an old-school three-point play and 2-of-2 free throw shooting in the mix) to help Duke seal the win. Co-MVP Sam Kerr added 13 points and several key assists and rebounds.

Villanova reached the finals with a 60-58 win over North Carolina in the semi-finals while Duke reached the finals with a 45-38 win over Georgetown in the semi-finals. Sean Maher poured in 40 points to lead Georgetown out of the play-in game and into the semi-finals.

Duke was coached by Bob Elliott. Players included Sean Elliott, Taylor Steimle, Gavin Scanlon, Reid Schmidt, Alex Roche, Matt Sharpe, Jaimie McDonald, Sara Pettinelli, Brian Reed, Thomas Floros, Sam Kerr, Kurt McMillan, Noah Sock and Jordan Sock.