FGCU Commits Compete At City Of Palms Classic

Florida Gulf coast fans got a glimpse of the future this past weekend as Eagle commits Christian Terrell (Providence-Jacksonville) and Zach Johnson (Norland-Miami) both competed in the City of Palms Classic at nearby Bishop Verot High School.

"I'm excited, I love coming up to Fort Myers - it's gonna be a new home. It has a lot of FGCU fans and writers in the building. I'm just excited to play in front of future teammates and reporters," Johnson said.

Fellow signee Christian Terrell was also thrilled at the opportunity to place so near The Nest. "It's very exciting coming down and playing in front of some of the fans here. I love the coaching and the fans...Coach Fly is one of my favorites," Terrell said.

Terrell, a 6-4 guard, averaged 16 points a game en route to Providence taking fourth place. He looked especially impressive during the Stallions' rematch against Montverde. While teammate and Duke commit Grayson Allen couldn't find his stroke, Terrell stepped it up and kept Providence in the game till the very end.

Although Norland left Fort Myers with a 1-2 record, it wasn't due to a lack of effort; Zach Johnson was diving all over the floor, grabbing loose balls and rebounds (averaged four steals per game).

"I just always had to play with toughness - it comes from within. You'll beat a team straight off of toughness," Johnson said.

Terrell and Providence continue their season in 2014 with a game against Palatka (Jan. 4), while Johnson and the Vikings head to Gainesville to battle the Rock (Jan. 4).

All quotes credited to Naples Daily News videos.

Full Notes

Christian Terrell (Providence)

75-70 win vs. St. John Bosco (Dec. 18)
Stats: 15 points (5/11 FG), 8 rebounds, 5 assists.
62-51 win vs. Neumann-Goretti (Dec. 19)

Stats: 19 points (5/11 FG), 10 rebounds.

Joe Dooley & FGCU scored a good one in Christian Terrell. 6-5 SF w/ athleticism & skill. Handled pressure well, made smart plays & attacked
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) December 20, 2013

58-51 loss vs. Montverde (Dec. 21)
Stats: 12 points (5/16 FG), 8 rebounds, 4 assists.

Christian Terrell is the best player in the court tonight. #cityofpalms
— Jason Jordan (@JayJayUSATODAY) December 22, 2013

Liking FGCU signee Christian Terrell. Skilled combo guard w savvy and a does of athleticism. Gotta get a ranking on him #cityofpalms
— Jerry Meyer (@jerrymeyer247) December 22, 2013

63-55 loss vs. Whitney Young (Dec. 23)
Stats: 20 points, 7 rebounds.

Christian Terrell with a HUGE chase down block for Providence, they lead 38-37 w/ 3:58 left in the 3rd
— Scarberry Media (@scarberrymedia) December 23, 2013

Wins Three Point Shoot Out

Zach Johnson (Miami Norland)

81-53 loss vs. Paul VI (Dec. 19)
Stats: 25 points (9/26 FG), 4 rebounds, 3 assists.

FGCU commit Zach Johnson is doing it all for Norland, they trail 47-26 in the 3rd quarter #CityofPalms
— Scarberry Media (@scarberrymedia) December 19, 2013

61-54 loss vs. Oak Ridge (Dec. 20)

Stats: 21 points (7/20 FG), 4 assists.

67-30 win vs. Bishop Verot (Dec. 21)
Stats: 15 points (6/13 FG), 5 rebounds, 5 assists.


Eric Moeller (Co. Central Florida)

64-62 loss vs. Palm Beach State College (Dec. 15)
Stats: 3 points (1/2 FG), 3 rebounds, 5 blocks.

88-61 win vs. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (Dec. 18)

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