First Half:
Charlotte Christian jumped out quickly and never looked back, getting out to an early lead with their aggressiveness on offense and their ability to get after it on the defensive end. The Knights looked to push the ball as much as they could and with their blend of guards and versatility on the floor, it allowed them to get out to an early double-digit lead in the first quarter.
Their stretch wings and forwards in #11 and Peter Lash led the way, with #11 scoring 15 first-half points and Lash adding 10 more in the action. Metrolina Christian struggled to find easy baskets with the defensive intensity but also struggled with turnovers as well. #14 led the way for Metrolina with eight first-half points but Charlotte Christian was able to increase their lead to 37-13 at halftime.
Second Half:
Charlotte Christian continued to maintain their 20+ point lead at the end of the third quarter but give credit to Metrolina Christian, as they continued to battle and chip away at the lead in the fourth quarter. Drew Patterson scored nine of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, while Josh Owens scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half. Metrolina cut the lead down to as many as seven in the final minute but it wasn't enough, as Charlotte Christian secured the home win.
Final: Charlotte Christian 62 ' Metrolina Christian 53
Stats:
Charlotte Christian: Luke Drees 18pts, 5asts/ Bryce Cash
10pts, 5rebs, 5asts/ Peter Lash 16pts/ Logan Jones 8asts, 5rebs, 5stls, 3blks
Metrolina Christian: Drew Patterson 16pts, 10rebs/ Blair Crumbie 12pts/ Josh Owens
12pts
Standouts:
2020 Luke Drees (Charlotte Christian): The wing prospect was tough to stop and showed it early on with his ability to knock down perimeter shots, as well as use his length to rise over defenders, run the floor, and finish. He continued to show his range with a pure shooting stroke, which opened avenues in the lane for him as well.
2023 Bryce Cash (Charlotte Christian): Only a freshman, Cash displays a game that allows him to use his strong frame that will only continue to develop.' Cash is at his best when he is attacking, getting downhill and finishing at the rim.' With the ball in his hands, he is able to score but also creates for others, as well as get on the boards.
2020 Peter Lash (Charlotte Christian): A stretch forward, Lash's ability to score in all areas of the floor makes him difficult to guard. He understands how to play with his back to the basket but moves incredibly well around the floor and with his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, he always has to be accounted for.
2020 Drew Patterson (Metrolina): Patterson did all he could for his team to get back into the game, especially in the second half. Patterson's ability to create off the dribble was impressive, as his tight, strong handles, and change of direction caught our eyes. The senior guard knocked down tough shots from three, got to the rim and finished through contact, and did an outstanding job on the boards.
2020 Josh Owens (Metrolina): Owens physical stature catches your eye first but he plays with a smooth feel to his game. He can play and guard multiple positions on the floor and finishes well at the rim. Owens can affect several facets of the game when on the floor.