Churchill 61, Crater 48: 10 Best
In what was advertised as the game of the year in 5A, Churchill dismantled Crater 61-48 to capture their 33rd straight MWL win on Tuesday. The Lancers dominated the game defensively, holding Crater to a season-low point total by controlling…
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Continue ReadingIn what was advertised as the game of the year in 5A, Churchill dismantled Crater 61-48 to capture their 33rd straight MWL win on Tuesday.
The Lancers dominated the game defensively, holding Crater to a season-low point total by controlling the pace of play and forcing blue-chip prospect Nate Bittle to operate on the perimeter.
In what may have been a silent nail in the Comets’ coffin, Lancer guard Isaiah Wallace went on a personal 5-0 run to close the third quarter, scoring off both his own steal and a brilliant dish from Silas Bennion to make the game 41-24 entering the fourth.
From that point on, the Lancers ate away at the clock and held off the upset-hungry Comets to clinch at least a share of their second-straight MWL title.
Here’s our “Ten Best” from Tuesday:
MVP – Silas Bennion (2020 Churchill)
Stats: 15 pts, 4 reb, 6 ast, 3 stl
The 2019 MWL player of the year came to ball on Tuesday, scoring an incredibly efficient 15 points to lead the visitors. Bennion never forced a shot all night, and his role as a point guard was in full display as he paced the offense brilliantly. The senior catalyst dished out a team-high six assists in a fairly slow-paced game, teasing the Comets with his ball-handling throughout. Additionally, Bennion continued to rebound well, snatching four to go alongside his three steals. A fading sideline three by the senior gave the Lancers a 34-22 lead late in the third quarter, serving as the first bucket of a devastating 10-2 run.
Play of the Game – Bennion finds Wallace for three at the buzzer
After a long, grueling possession of clock burning, Bennion made a silky move with under ten seconds to go in the third and flew towards the bucket with a 38-24 lead, hoping to attract the attention of multiple defenders. That he did, and a moment later, the ball was into the hands of fellow senior Isaiah Wallace. A sniper from deep, Wallace then confidently stepped into a dagger three that all but ended the Comets’ chances of a league title. The score was 41-24 Lancers, and the crowd was stunned.
Best offensive performance – Nate Bittle (2021 Crater)
Stats: 22 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast, 6 blk
Although Churchill was excellent against the five-star prospect, he still managed a game-high 22-points on 9-of-15 shooting. The 6-foot-11 junior buried four threes to lead the game, an impressive feat for a center, and although the Comets struggled to find him at times, Bittle dominated when he touched the rock.
Best defensive performance – Churchill’s gameplan
Although Bittle collected a whopping six blocks for the Comets, the defensive MVP must be given to the Lancers as a whole. Kelly Bokn and company came into Central Point with a purpose, and they executed incredibly well. For the most part, Churchill kept the ball away from Crater, and when they did turn it over, they forced the Comets’ weaker players to take shots. As a result, the Lancers were able to control the game on both ends, holding the Comets to a season-low point total.
Best guy off the bench – Isaiah Wallace (2020 Churchill)
Stats: 12 pts, 1 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl
After missing significant time with a knee injury, the former two-year starter has been playing a more reserved role for the 20-3 Lancers, coming off the bench to provide a pivotal Lou Williams-esque scoring boost. The 6-foot-1 senior poured in 12 points on Tuesday, five of which came in quick succession to close the third period. Providing depth as a fearless spark plug, Wallace is 5A’s sixth man of the year.
Best intangibles – Evan Pia (2020 Churchill)
Stats: 13 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
The 6-foot Pia has been a steady starter for the Lancers for two straight seasons now, providing great “three and d” production on a nightly basis. On Tuesday, the senior guard knocked down three threes on his way to thirteen points, and although his game isn’t the flashiest, Pia is having a standout season for the top-ranked team in 5A.
Best under-the-radar performance – Braydon Ray (2021 Crater)
Stats: 8 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast
While many of Crater’s main contributors struggled on Tuesday, Ray continued to shoot the ball well, knocking down two pivotal three-pointers for the Comets. Furthermore, the 5-foot-10 junior quietly remained one of the Comets’ best perimeter defenders, using solid lateral quickness to stay in front of Churchill’s skilled guards.
Best underclassmen – Samaje Morgan (2022 Churchill)
Stats: 2 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast
Morgan remains one of the quickest players in the state of Oregon, and his ability to downright make plays is apparent. Although the sophomore stud only scored two points on Tuesday, he filled up the stat sheet with four rebounds and four assists, embracing his role in a big-time win. The 5-foot-9 point guard has an unmatched burst off the dribble, and by getting past defenders, he opens things up offensively for the Lancers.
Best kicks – Hunter Chubb (2021 Crater)
The 6-foot-3 Chubb paid homage to the late Kobe Bryant on Tuesday, rocking the Nike Mamba Focus “White Gum.”
Best aspect of the environment – The packed house
As expected, Tuesday’s marquee match-up attracted a huge crowd of Crater faithful, and although they left disappointed, they still made themselves heard on senior night. Contrarily, Churchill’s small batch of fans had every reason to make noise as the Lancers came away with their second straight victory over the talented Comets.
Photo: Andy Atkinson/The Mail Tribune