Jelani Middleton just might be the most underrated player in the Hudson Valley.
The Hackley junior had a breakout game on a big stage on Saturday night. Middleton scored 17 points and controlled the game on both ends of the court in the Hornets’ 47-39 win over Briarcliff in the second game of the William F. Plunkett Christmas Classic.
Middleton, a 6-foot-4 junior, earned MVP honors in the win.
Video highlights: Hackley knocks off Briarcliff at County Center:
Hackley won its fifth straight game after starting the season 0-4 against a difficult schedule.
Briarcliff fell to 3-3.