Principia (Mo.) continues dream run at City of Palms Classic with win over No. 2 Wheeler (Ga.)

It’s been a week to remember for Principia (Mo.) boys basketball.

Taking part in the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla., the Panthers were not one of the marquee names in the field. Regardless of what happens the rest of the way, they’ll leave with their stock through the roof.

After stunning Columbus (Fla.), the No. 1 team in the nation per the Rivals Composite Rankings, on Thursday, Principia pulled off another upset on Saturday. In a tight battle, the Panthers took down No. 2 Wheeler (Ga.) 69-63.

After pouring in 31 points in the win over Columbus, senior shooting guard Quentin Coleman led the way for Principia once again on Saturday. The Wake Forest signee dropped 34 points on 11-17 shooting and also had eight rebounds. He knocked down four 3-pointers and went a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line.

Coleman was the only Panther to make a 3-pointer. Principia shot 44.8 percent from the floor and won despite finishing the game with just four total assists. Junior shooting guard Gassim Toure added 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and also had an impressive seven steals.

Principia forced 18 turnovers and out-scored Wheeler in the paint 38-32. It also won the rebound battle 35-30. Wheeler led by three points at the end of the third quarter, but mustered just eight points in the final period.

The Wildcats got big outings from three of their top players. Senior shooting guard Colben Landrew, a UConn signee, made four 3-pointers and finished with a team-high 20 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Clemson SG signee had 19 points on 8-11 shooting and also racked up nine boards. Junior four-star point guard Kevin Savage had 17 points in the loss.

With wins over the top two teams in the nation, No. 26 Principia is in the semifinals of the City of Palms Classic. It now gets a crack at Paul VI Catholic (Va.), coincidentally the No. 3 team in the Rivals Composite Rankings. The two will play on Monday evening, with the winner taking on the winner of Bartlett (Tenn.) and Archbishop Stepinac (N.Y.) in the championship game on Tuesday evening.

Wheeler will also return to action on Monday, taking on The Villages (Fla.). The Wildcats are now 1-1 at the event as they won their first game against Bishop McNamara (Md.) on Friday.

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For high school boys basketball fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the high school hops action throughout the season. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the hardwood excitement across the country.