Asheville Christian Academy prevails over New Garden Friends School at Forsyth Country Day Holiday Showcase
Asheville Christian Academy (4-1), led by senior combo guard Matt Woods, held on to a 55-45 win over New Garden Friends School (4-2) Saturday afternoon at the Forsyth Country Day Holiday Showcase.
“We did not do a good job closing out,” said NGFS senior center Ikenna Smart.
Woods scored his game-high 18 points in a variety of ways from three-pointers to running floaters.
“That came from moving without the ball and my teammates finding me,” said Woods.
NGFS led at halftime 27-22 after a sloppy start by both teams. ACA gained the momentum after dominating the third quarter, forcing turnovers and holding NGFS to a season-low 4 points in the quarter.
“We couldn’t hit shots,” said Obi-Rapu Jr. “We gave away 14 points off turnovers alone. We need more chemistry.”
ACA’s defense contained NGFS senior combo guard Kanayo Obi-Rapu Jr as they held him to a season-low 12 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists.
“We just had help-side and played patient (defense),” said Woods. “We are a defensive-minded team. We must try and shut down their best player.”
In the last minute of the game, Obi-Rapu Jr. missed a contested layup, and the rim denied Smart the put-back finish that would have cut ACA’s lead to 5 points.
“We must come out with full intensity and not wait for the last minute of the game,” Smart added. “We have to go full speed the whole game.”
ACA’s guard Shepard finished with 18 points.
Smart finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, his fifth double-double of the season. Senior point guard Kane Ma contributed 9 points and 3 assists and senior forward Josh Wilkerson had 7 points.
Up next, NGFS will visit Vandalia Christian High School on Monday, Dec. 9.
Submitted by L.A. Logan