The season got started in North Carolina, as GRACE Christian traveled to Greensboro Day Friday night. With Coach Johnson sidelined for this one, Coach Smith led the charge for the Bengals as both teams wanted to start the season off right.
Both teams traded baskets early but it was the play of Graham Worland and Jackson Noble in the first quarter to help GDS earn the early lead. Gary Williams was the go-to player for GRACE Christian, scoring an early seven points. Greensboro Day was able to obtain a double-digit lead by the five-minute mark and maintained it heading into halftime, eventually leading 32-19. It was the size that led the charge for the Bengals early on.
In the second half, Greensboro Day was able to come out strong and extend their lead quickly to 20+ points in the third quarter. It was a balanced attack offensively, getting everyone involved and really getting a chance to have several players get playing time. GRACE Christian struggled at times offensively knocking down shots, as it was Gary Williams and Julien King who led the charge. In the end, Greensboro Day cruised to a 72-38 victory at home.
Greensboro Day: 19-13-18-22: 72
GRACE Christian: 12-7-10-9: 38
Stats:
GDS: Michael Zanoni 14/ Graham Worland 12/ CJ Collins 8/ Addison Newkirk 8/ Nik Graves 7
GRACE: Gary Williams 17/ Julien King 11
Takeaways/Thoughts:
- Really liked what I saw from the two starting bigs in 2022 CJ Collins and 2022 Jackson Noble. Collins really used his length well, finishing well over defenders, getting on the boards, and really moving well for a 6’10 prospect. Noble really showed his motor and hardwork. He really can make an impact and play a vital role for this team and works hard on both ends; helped on the boards and moved well without the ball.
- 2022 Michael Zanoni led the charge after a slow start. Started to find his rhythm offensively especially with his perimeter game, knocking down multiple three’s to lead the way with 14 points.
- Enjoyed the guard play on the floor. 2022 Nik Graves showcased his play-making ability, his athleticism, and his IQ on the court; really showed a balanced attack in leading the offense and out in transition. It was also good to see 2023 Jaydon Young back on the floor, making plays and getting to the basket.
- 2022 Gary Williams was really impressive for GRACE Christian. He was the leading scorer with 17 points in the game and scored in a variety of ways, but really displayed a tremendous confidence from three.
- Greensboro Day’s bench play was strong. 2023 Graham Worland provides size and versatility, stretching the floor with a confident jumper but also finishing around the basket and getting on the boards. 2025 Addison Newkirk displayed just that in the second half as well and also really worked hard on the defensive end. Both Worland and Newkirk were strong, but the entire bench played well in this game.