By DORIAN ALERTE
UNION, N.J. — Between the dunks, blocks, and shots falling, five-star Duke commit Sean Stewart put on a show in the 2023 Metro Classic on Thursday at Kean University.
In Montverde (FL) Academy’s 62-45 victory over La Lumiere, the 6-foot-8 Stewart piled up 13 points and 7 rebounds, while swatting away 2 shots.
“I thought Sean was the MVP of the game,” head coach Kevin Boyle said. “Sean’s energy, blocking shots, rebounding, and hitting the glass set an attitude when he came in the game and the energy shifted our way.”
Stewart subbed in the game with 2:42 left in the first quarter and immediately was the spark of energy that the Eagles needed
“Our main goal to start is to bring the energy,” Stewart said. “We came out, we didn’t have as much energy as we should have. Me and [Kansas commit] Chris [Johnson], that was our main goal coming off the bench to bring energy.”
Duke commit Sean Stewart is unbelievable😤😤 @Sean13Stewart | @MVABasketball pic.twitter.com/ISEjlf2P5K
— NIBC (@NIBCOfficial) January 15, 2023
Stewart’s versatility was on display as he produced on both the offensive end and defensive end. Coach Boyle said that Stewart’s game is beginning to develop in a way that will be pivotal in the resurgence of the Duke program when he arrives.
“They’re going to get a high-energy guy, who’s very good defensively and offensively,” Boyle said. “He’s a great offensive rebounder and he’s developing his perimeter offensive skills. He made some nice pull-up jump shots today, and he’s going to be a really good player and be part of Duke’s resurgence.”
Unranked Duke (16-6) is in the midst of Coach Jon Scheyer’s first season as head coach after Mike Krzyzewski ‘s retirement. Stewart’s goals when he joins the team next year are simple: continue improving, win as many games as possible, and win a national championship.
“They’re getting it together,” Stewart said. “They’re having a good swing. They’re going to get it together, have a good run in the tournament, and I’m really confident about this year and next year.”
Stewart is excited to join the team with his fellow recruits in class ranked No. 2 nationally, Mackenzie Mgbako, Jared McCain, Caleb Foster, and TJ Power.
“We have a group chat and we see each other a lot at these games and camps,” Stewart said. “We just talk about how excited we are to get up there next year and this summer. It’s gonna be a fun year.”
Montverde will play Link Academy on Friday at 8 pm at the Metro Classic. Each team is ranked No. 1 respectively in the ESPN and MaxPrep polls.
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