3 takeaways from Lynwood’s conference win against Paramount
LYNWOOD — The Lynwood Knights kicked off conference play with an 80–40 win against local rivals Paramount. The win was just what the Knights needed after a recent run of underwhelming performances, including with their 96–50 loss against Centennial in…
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Continue ReadingLYNWOOD — The Lynwood Knights kicked off conference play with an 80–40 win against local rivals Paramount. The win was just what the Knights needed after a recent run of underwhelming performances, including with their 96–50 loss against Centennial in the Real Run Challenge on Saturday. For Paramount, the blowout loss only mounts on to what has become a disappointing season. Here are three takeaways from Lynwood’s blowout victory over Paramount.
Christian Johnson Christian Johnson 6'0" | PG Lynwood | 2021 State CA-S and Jaren Johnson Jaren Johnson 6'2" | SG Lynwood | 2020 State #322 Nation CA-S steal the show
The Knights got off to an unusually slow start early on, which allowed for Paramount to capitalize with several easy layups and uncontested shots. However, momentum shifted over to the Knights for good thanks to their successful approaches in triggering a full-court press along with the impressive showings of Christian “Bam” Johnson and Jaren Johnson Jaren Johnson 6'2" | SG Lynwood | 2020 State #322 Nation CA-S .
The Johnson duo asserted their will throughout the game on offense. As a result, Paramount had no answer on just how to contain the stellar play from the two.
2021 guard Christian Johnson Christian Johnson 6'0" | PG Lynwood | 2021 State CA-S displayed his array of offensive capabilities, such as with his ability to facilitate offensive sets from the top of the key. With his shot, he has a good and reliable arching shot. And as a playmaker, the guard showed potential in this area of play. His ability to find open teammates in space — including 2020 forward Jordan Brown in the post — negated much of Paramount’s defensive game plan.
On the other hand, 2020 guard Jaren Johnson Jaren Johnson 6'2" | SG Lynwood | 2020 State #322 Nation CA-S displayed his skill set on both sides of the floor. On offense, Johnson worked relentlessly to create any kind of quick offense. He did well to space the floor and knew just when to make off-ball movements. On the ball, the 6’4″ talent made a trio of 3-pointers in the first half that essentially put the game out of reach. Over on the defensive side of the ball, the senior continuously worked to use his size and length to both close down space for his opponents and force low percentage shots.
The chemistry from the two was the prime reason why Lynwood comfortably secured the blowout win.
Keyon Kensie Keyon Kensie 6'7" | SF Taft | 2023 State CA-S is one to watch
Keyon Kensie Keyon Kensie 6'7" | SF Taft | 2023 State CA-S did not orchestrate an all-around dominant performance like the Johnson duo did, but the 2023 guard showed once again how valuable he can be to the Knights’ offense.
The 6’5″ guard was in the starting lineup and did not disappoint at all. His production centered more on fast-break points — a key strength of his game. Kensie was able to drive to the rim without much difficulty. When Lynwood recovered a loose ball, Kensie was among the Knights leading the transition sequence and also there to finish it all off with an easy two points.
The highlight of the game and what generated the best crowd reaction came from Kensie’s successful dunk attempt on a quick fast-break. However, the score was waved off because of a travel from the freshman guard. Nonetheless, the sequence exemplified just how athletic and sturdy he is, especially on transition buckets.
Paramount’s poor offensive sequences were the theme of the game
Paramount showed promise over the first couple of minutes thanks to its solid offensive execution and ability to string together defensive stops. However, the game for the Pirates got out of hand due to their stagnant possessions on offense. Time and time again, the Pirates were unable to generate much against a Lynwood side that was capable of being patient in forcing contested shots and creating turnovers.
As exemplified here, the Pirates were often met with multiple Lynwood players converging inside to force a low percentage shot. They wound up creating very little from their drives to the paint.
Here, Lynwood force yet another poor shot in close space even though Paramount collapsed the floor and had two open players out on the 3-point line. The end result was Jordan Brown hauling in the airball.
Both teams will meet once again later this month. Until then, the Knights and Pirates will continue to feature in league games as the season winds down to the finish.