Our Sonic Player-of-the-game for Friday, January 20, is Leonard Manuel of the Vanguard (Ocala) boys’ basketball team.
The freshman came off the bench to score 18 points in a 73-51 win at rival Forest (Ocala). The Knights (13-5, 6-0) stayed unbeaten in 7A-District 4 with the win.
He started slow with just four points in the opening half. However, he scored six in the third quarter and eight in the fourth quarter, finishing with 14 of this 18 in the second half.
Manuel, who has an offer to play football at the University of Miami, added six rebounds for the Knights. He edged teammate Tae Bynes for Player-of-the-Game. Bynes also scored 18 points, with 14 of his 18 coming in the opening half when he made four shots behind the arc.
Every game The Prep Zone will recognize a Sonic Player-of-the-Game. The recipient receives a $10 gift card & certificate courtesy of Sonic of Gainesville & Ocala.