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February 11, 2012

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Cory Joseph wins battle of top guards, leads Findlay Prep to victory

Minnesota coach Tubbs in attendance to watch top recruit

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Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009 | 12:52 p.m.

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Justin M. Bowen / Sun File Photo

Findlay Prep guard Cory Joseph lays it in during practice earlier this year at Orleans Arena. Joseph had a game-high 27 points Saturday in an 86-75 victory against nationally ranked Winter Park (Fla.) at the 37th Annual City of Palms Classic at Bishop Verot High in Fort Myers, Fla.

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Findlay Prep's Cory Joseph had a game-high 27 points Saturday night, leading the Pilots to an 86-75 victory against nationally ranked Winter Park (Fla.) at the 37th Annual City of Palms Classic at Bishop Verot High in Fort Myers, Fla.

The game was Findlay's first since Thursday when Northland High of Columbus, Ohio, snapped Findlay's 45-game winning streak.

Findlay, which is ranked No. 1 in the ESPN rankings and No. 2 by USA Today, continued its tough schedule at the Palms Classic. Winter Park is ranked No. 16 by USA Today.

Joseph, who was limited to 10 points in the loss to Northland, outplayed Winter Park's Austin Rivers in a battle of the nation's top point guard prospects. Rivers, the son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and a Florida commit, had only seven points in the second half.

Joseph made 5 of his 7 attempts from beyond the 3-point arc, and, more impressively, held Rivers in check down the stretch. Rivers had 15 points in the first half, but couldn't duplicate the effort after the break with Joseph playing suffocating defense.

Joseph, the nation's No. 6 point guard prospect according to ESPN, is choosing between Connecticut, Minnesota (where Joseph's brother, sophomore guard Devoe, plays), Texas, UNLV and Villanova. Minnesota coach Tubby Smith attended Saturday's game.

Tristan Thompson added 23 points and 11 rebounds for Findlay, while Nick Johnson had 19 points, eight assists, five rebounds and five steals. Jabari Brown added 13 points.

Findlay returns to action Monday against Dunbar High of Fort Myers. It won't, however, be in contention to win the tournament.

The Pilots agreed to play in the event's consolation bracket to accommodate Westchester High of Los Angeles, which is prohibited by its state association from playing a team not affiliated with an association.

Findlay Prep, based in Henderson, is not part of the Nevada Athletic Activities Association and won't play for a Nevada state title.

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