Shabazz Muhammad’s 42-point effort not enough in Gorman loss

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Monday, Dec. 19, 2011 | 11:09 p.m.

Bishop Gorman High’s Shabazz Muhammad had a game-high 42 points Monday in the City of Palms of Classic in Fort Myers, Fla., but it wasn’t enough as the Gaels were defeated by Prestonwood Christian of Texas, 76-70.

Four of Gorman’s five starters picked up two fouls in the first quarter, sending several of the Gaels top performers to the bench and helping Prestonwood Christian to open a 13-point halftime lead. Muhammad picked up his third foul early in the second quarter, but reentered the game before halftime in helping Gorman stay within striking distance.

“We couldn’t play as aggressive as we would have liked,” Gorman coach Grant Rice said.

Despite trimming its deficit to two points with about three minutes to play, Gorman couldn’t complete the comeback.

“They are a good, solid team with some star players,” Rice said. “We have to move on. We played hard in the second half — extremely hard. We can’t fall behind like that.”

Julius Randle, the No. 2 recruiting prospect for the class of 2013, had 26 points for Prestonwood Christian. Kansas commit Zach Peters added 12 points.

Muhammad was the lone Gorman player to score in double figures. Rosco Allen had nine points and Rashad Muhammad, Shabazz’s brother, finished with seven.

Gorman returns to action Tuesday against Miller Grove of Georgia, which opened the season as the nation’s No. 2 ranked team.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.