VIDEO: Sophomore's big night leads TFA hoops to win over St. Cloud | Observer Preps

The First Academy's Alex Shields scored a game-high 29 points to spur the host Royals' 74-61 victory in the opening round of The City Beautiful Invitational.

By Steven Ryzewski
| 9:45 p.m. December 27, 2017

Sports

ORLANDO First Academy sophomore Alex Shields had a game to remember in the opening round of The City Beautiful Invitational, scoring a career-best 29 points to spur a 74-61 victory for host TFA against Saint Cloud.

After trailing 31-24 at halftime, the Royals (5-5) opened the third quarter by scoring 25 points in the first 3:30 of the second half — anchoring a third quarter swing that saw TFA outscore the Bulldogs 34-13. Of those 34 points, Shields poured in 21 points.

"Never in my dreams," Shields said, asked about if he had ever scored so many points in quarter before.

Alex Shields scored a career-high 29 points for the Royals in a win against St. Cloud.

"Ball movement and communication — we talked a lot and we kept the ball moving. I just got open looks — I got two quick shots that went in and (my teammates) kept feeding the hot hand."

Angel Arroyo had 14 points to lead Saint Cloud (3-6).

With the victory, the Royals move into the winners' bracket and the quarterfinals of the 16-team tournament. TFA will face Liberty High, which defeated Orangewood Christian, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.