Last game of the night, Combine Academy National and Cape Fear Christian got after it in Rock Hill. Combine Academy came out with a lot more energy and looked early to make a statement, creating turnovers, getting out in transition, and getting downhill for baskets. They also were able to get to the line to help the matter, as they looked to play their game to get out to an early double-digit lead. Combine continued to play with a high energy, creating turnovers and turning them into points. Cape Fear Christian though continued to battle, but found themselves in a halftime hole 43-22.
Second half was much like the first for Combine, as they just seem to come in waves.' It was just too much overall for Cape Fear Christian but I have to give them credit, their team and staff never gave in and competed.' In the end, the final score was 89-43.
Stats:
Combine Academy:
Mekhi Grant 19 points
Robert Dillingham 18 points
Kris Robinson 9 points
Cape Fear Christian:
Tristin Harkins 10 points
Jabare Perry 7 points
Caden Bell 7 points
Standouts:
2022 Bryce Alfino (Combine Academy): Alfino might have not filled up the box score offensively but he was terrific on the defensive end. He knocked down a shot from the perimeter but he was incredibly scrappy and all over the place defensively, creating turnovers and helping get his team out in transition.
2022 Tristin Harkins (Cape Fear): Harkins plays with a little swagger and with a chip on his shoulder. But the wiry guard plays hard and with confidence. He is a willing playmaker on the floor, works well in transition, and shows that he can bring that same production in the halfcourt knocking down shots. Just a tough, gritty player that doesn't back down.
2023 Robert Dillingham (Combine Academy): Dillingham came out with a little extra today after Monday night, being more aggressive in getting downhill and making a play. He was back to the Rob we have seen before, scoring the ball effectively on multiple levels. He led the charge with his offensive scoring in this game.
2023 Mekhi Grant (Combine Academy): There just aren't too many players with his size, his strength, his mobility, his athleticism, and his power' Grant has a lot of factors that check the box but he is still a developing big. In this one though, he finished strong at the rim, created havoc around the rim defensively at times, and got on the glass.