High Point Christian Academy – 63
Greensboro Day School – 56
HPCA 15 15 14 19 GDS 17 12 10 17
HPCA (23-0): Diante Baldwin 12, 6 assists, Jackson Kent 11. Isiah Gill 3, Chuck Ogbodo 14, 17 rebounds, Michael Obacha 9, 10 rebounds, Stevie Williams 7, Joey McLean 7.
GDS: Jalen Ross 10, Montrel Goldston 2, Reed Lucas 14, Christian Hairston 5, Reggie Dillard 4, Jonathan Terry 10, Julian Sampah 6, Quayshad Williams 5.
HPCA will play at home against Wesleyan on Friday.
The difference in the game was free throws, free throws and free throws. GDS did everything that they needed to do to win this game but you cannot miss (from my memory) at least 15 free throws and win a game on this level. The same free throws that GDs hit against Wesleyan were missed against HPCA. GDS also missed more open 3 pt shots tonight than any other time that I remember tonight. I do not want to take away from the HPCA win so let me be clear that HPCA was the better team tonight because they won the game (period). That being said, if these teams played 10 times, then I beleive GDS would only win 4 out of 10. HPCA does a lot of the same things well that Wesleyan does but the one skill that both of these school have that GDS does not teach or have is the ability to dribble drive and cut through the gaps. If you can cut into the gaps off the dribble, then you will break down the GDS defense easier. GDS’s 1on1 defense was not up to the task tonight and they were slow rotating back to the cutters. GDS is too reliant on their 3 pt shots falling at this point to win the State Playoffs. The current version of GDS will lose in the semi-finals of the States to either HPCA, Christ School or even Ravenscroft (especially with the game on Ravenscroft’s floor). GDS needs more dribble penetration from the point/off guard, more mid range shots from their forwards and more production from the bigs on the offensive end. On defense GDS must learn to close the gaps in the paint quicker, box out faster and run a trap at least some whether it is half court, full court or whatever. They have 10 players that can get in and out so why not use those numbers to your benefit. This GDS team will finish the year with only 4 losses – 2 already, 1 more against HPCA in High Point and the final loss to Christ School in the semi-finals in Raleigh. HPCA will play Christ School for the State Championship.
HPCA is ranked 7th in the nation for Academies. Check out maxpreps.com under basketball.
What a game. Congratulations are in order for HPCA. GDS couldn’t make free throws in the 4th certainly was a difference. I also thought that their inability to score around the basket and get easy scores was a big factor as well. The two big kids were a difference maker around the rim blocking several transition layups. PG play also was a win for HPCA. Thought he was in more control of his team and setting up his teammates. Disappointed in Ross not playing his normal game. Looked like he was just not there. He has been really good most games I have been to this year. Looking forward to the next time these teams play. Still think the tourney in Feb is going to be awesome. Whoever wins is def going to earn it.