Game Report: New Garden Friends School vs Vandalia Christian High School – 12/09/13

Special Report by L.A. Logan
Kanayo Obi-Rapu Jr. recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 14 rebounds and10 assists as New Garden Friends School (5-2) topped Vandalia Christian High School Monday night, 83-70.

“It just felt good to get the win,” said Obi Rapu Jr. “This was like my twelfth or thirteenth career triple-double.”

Obi-Rapu Jr. also added five steals and one block with his efforts. Unlike NGFS’ last game against Asheville Christian, “effort” was the key component to the victory.

“Rebounding was real important tonight,” said Obi-Rapu Jr. “If I can rebound the ball and show that I’m willing to grind, my teammates will follow. It’s just leading by example.

After the Asheville Christian loss, the NGFS squad met without coaches to discuss the team’s “effort” or lack thereof.

“During our meeting, it was said that I needed to work harder and be aggressive,” said NGFS junior guard Sterling Holland. “I came out and hustled, and it worked out for the best.”

Holland scored a season-high with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal in his strongest performance of the season.

But it was NGFS freshman forward Matim Allah that would set the tone for the game, grabbing 5 offensive and 2 defensive rebounds in the first quarter. At halftime NGFS led 36-33.

Vandalia Christian senior guard TC Daniels had a team-high 25 points to pace the Vikings.

“My threes were falling and I was just trying to get to that (free-throw) line,” said Daniels. “I was just hot tonight.”

The Vikings won the NCCSA State Championship in Raleigh last season as Daniels led the way. But this year with a younger team he said that it has been rough.

“We have only five returners,” said Daniels. “We’re trying to get back to repeat.”

In the fourth quarter it was sophomore guard Cam Austin hitting a big three with 4 minutes left that cut NGFS lead to 62-54.

NGFS finished the game on a 7-0 run after Obi-Rapu Jr. found senior center Ikenna Smart for a thunderous dunk.

“Being a facilitator and scorer was what I did tonight,” said Obi-Rapu Jr. “It’s important that Smart, Kane, Matim, Sterling, Josh, Snake and the rest of the team tstep up every night.

“Our chemistry is building every game. It’s on my back to make sure everyone is doing their part.”

Ikenna had another double-double with 14 points, 14 rebounds and 4 steals. NGFS senior point guard Kane Ma scored 10 points with 2 assists, 2 rebounds and 1 steal.

NGFS will travel to Philadelphia, Pa, for the Friends Tournament on Dec. 21-23.