Offensive Explosion in The Derby Festival Classic

Offense was the name of the game in tonight's high-scoring Derby Festival Classic game at Freedom Hall in Louisville. The game produced 296 points, 238 field goal attempts, 76 three-point attempts and 16 players in double figures. The Gold Team, which included Kentucky recruits Daniel Orton and Jon Hood, edged the Black Team 151-145.

Michael Snaer, who is head to Florida State, let the Gold Team with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Future Indiana Hoosiers Christian Watford and Maurice Creek added 26 and 21 points, respectively. Hood, who is Kentucky's Mr. Basketball, chipped in 13 points. Orton had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Kyryl Natyazhko, who had 8 points and 9 rebounds, announced that he would be playing his college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats.

The Black Team was led by Louisville recruit Rakeem Buckles with 26 points on 12-18 shooting. Peyton Siva, another future Cardinal, had an impressive double-double with 15 points and 11 assists. Raymond Penn, who will play for Travis Ford at Oklahoma State, contributed 24 points. The other two Louisville recruits in the game were Mike Marra and Stephan Van Treese. Marra scored 10 points in the game and Van Treese had 11.

Eric Bledsoe and Nolan Dennis are undecided recruits that both have Kentucky on their lists. Bledsoe had 9 points and 8 rebounds in the game. Dennis, who recently de-committed from Memphis, struggled from the field in scoring only 3 points.

Complete Box Score

Wazoo Sports Derby Festival Classic

My thoughts on players of interest for Kentucky and Louisville:

Hood - I was curious to see how Hood would compete against top-level talent and he did not disappoint. I think Hood is talented enough to play in the SEC and will have a nice career at UK. By the way, Hood now says he is 100% committed to Kentucky.

Orton - Daniel Orton is strong finisher around the basket and a good rebounder. He dunks the ball with authority. I'm not sure if Orton will stick with Kentucky or not, but I think he has a very bright future.

Dennis - Nolan Dennis struggled a little in tonight's game. He seemed to be out of sync and was not able to get his game going. He is loaded with athletic talent, but he may have felt the pressure to put on a good showing for the Kentucky fans.

Bledsoe - Bledsoe lists Florida as his current favorite, but his statements make me think Kentucky could get him if they wanted him. If the Wildcats cannot land John Wall, Bledsoe would be a nice pickup. He will be a great college point guard..

Siva - Peyton Siva is going to be a star for Rick Pitino. He has very good PG skills. He is athletic and a super passer. He will be great for the Cardinals.

Marra - Marra has a nice game. He is athletic and shoots the ball well. If he can play solid defense in the Big East, he'll be a good one.

Buckles - I was impressed by Buckles in tonight's game. He has the potential to be a superstar for Louisville.

Van Treese - Van Treese will need to develop a little but has the potential to be a good big man down the road. He will likely be a 4-year guy and have a good, solid career for the Cardinals.