Comenius came out strong and put the pressure on Mount Zion early, using a full-court press to create some early turnovers and get out in transition. It helped them early in the first quarter, as Mount Zion had trouble handling the pressure. Both teams looked to play a fast pace game early on, but it was Comenius that was executing on both ends early. It helped them secure a double-digit lead after the first quarter.
But give Mount Zion credit, as they took some early punches but clearly came to compete and did just so. They were scrappy on both ends and started to find some success offensively, eventually cutting Comenius’ lead down to three midway through the second.
Comenius answered though, continuing to push the ball in transition and attack the defense, scoring on multiple levels of the court. It helped them get back to their double-digit lead at halftime, 40-24.
Mount Zion got back to what we saw when they were making their comeback, getting the ball in the paint and creating extra opportunities in transition for themselves, which ultimately helped them cut the lead back to single digits in the third.
For much of the fourth quarter, Mount Zion continued to pick up their energy on both ends and find success around the rim, playing much better in the second half. But Comenius always had an answer to keep their lead around the 9-10 point margin.
Final: Comenius 72 – Mount Zion 64
Stats:
Comenius:
Alik Lewis 22 points
Decimus Lewis 19 points
Erique Myers 13 points
Mount Zion:
Solomon Butler 24 points
Kristoff McDonald 18 points
Santiago Nieto 10 points
Standouts:
2021 6’7 Solomon Butler (Mt Zion): Butler was their most consistent threat on the floor, using his length and wingspan to his advantage down low in the paint, being active in the paint, and showing good touch off the glass. Being the biggest prospect on the court, he found success in the paint for his team, bodied up defenders, and was active on the boards.
2022 5’10 Decimus Lewis (Comenius): Decimus plays really hard on the floor and is always active. He brings another scoring weapon to the floor but absolutely love his energy he provides on the defensive end. He is scrappy, quick, and reacts well to create turnovers. Offensively, He used his speed to penetrate or got to his spots to knock down his jumper.
2023 6’1 Alik Lewis (Comenius): The younger Lewis, he has shown that he can be a gifted scorer and can operate on multiple levels. Whether it is pulling up with his jumper from three or from the mid-range, or attacking off the dribble, he showed on multiple occasions that he has the ability to create for himself or for others. Just has a good feel for the game with the ball in his hands.
2022 Kristoff McDonald (Mount Zion): Quick, smaller guard that showed his ability to knock down shots with his jumper. Whether it was a couple of three’s or with his pull-up mid-range shot, McDonald was really productive while he was on the court. Scrappy guard.
2023 6’3 Erique Myers (Comenius): Keep an eye on this young man. Has good size and frame early on, stays aggressive in attacking and getting downhill, and was active on both ends.