Metro Christian vs Crossings Christian
Friday night hoops in Tulsa turned out to be a firework show in this private school matchup. Both teams started out hot and finished hot, especially from three point range. In this high scoring affair, Metro was able to finish…
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Continue ReadingFriday night hoops in Tulsa turned out to be a firework show in this private school matchup. Both teams started out hot and finished hot, especially from three point range. In this high scoring affair, Metro was able to finish a close one at home 76-74.
Metro Christian shot 48% from deep, finishing 11-23. The Patriots were led by the senior trio of Caden Hale, Evan Sadler, and Ian Sluice. All three in double figures scoring, they powered the offense. Hale finished with 19 points and changed the game with his ability to drive and kick. When he kicked out for three, Sadler was always there to knock it down. Sadler killed the Knights with consistent shooting and being able to spot up in the corner. Sluice was able to score off the dribble hitting multiple pull-up jumpers. Metro Christian was a very disciplined team and didn’t turn the ball over. They hit open shots and had fantastic ball movement, ultimately allowing them to win.
Crossings, like Metro, was scorching from downtown as well. The knights finished 13-29, good for 45%. Out of those 13, 6 came from junior guard Cooper Gudell. Gudell hit some deep threes, while all six of them came off the pass as he let the game come to him and showed his skills as a spot up shooter. Koonce also added 16 points for the Knights, getting to the free-throw line and finishing around the rim. Sophomore Reid Lovelace was able to stuff the stat sheet with 15 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds doing it all for the Knights. Lovelace hit a step back three early in the fourth quarter which sparked a huge run by the Knights, who were down as many as 10 points in the third quarter.
Caden Hale finished the game with ice in his veins, knocking down two free throws with less than five seconds to play. Hale got fouled in the paint on the last possession for the Patriots as they were in the bonus, sending him to the line. After hitting both free throws, the Knights had a chance to win the game, but a miscommunication between Koonce and Lovelace meant a turnover for Crossings and a Metro Christian win.
One of the most exciting games of the first half of this high school basketball season. Two top teams in their respective classes and an absolute battle to the end. Look for both of these teams to make noise when the state tournament rolls around.
Crossings will be in action next taking on Heritage Hall at home, while Metro Christian will travel to Rejoice Christian.