The playoffs continued on Friday night, as Asheville Christian and De’Ante Green looked to make a splash on the road at top-seeded Concord Academy. And they came out strong early on, building an early 11-0 lead behind the play of Green, who was a force all around the court early on. Concord struggled against the zone defense at times, with the clock moving fast in the first half but they got on the board finally. But Concord found themselves down after one, 19-8. They did start to find more success, moving the ball and attacking the zone and the paint to start cutting into the lead but it seemed that Collin Mills had an answer each time with big shots. It helped Asheville Christian lead 28-19 at halftime.
Second half, Concord Academy started to find their outside shot to cut into the lead quickly but each time, Asheville Christian had an answer and they were able to hold that nine-point lead at the end of the third 43-34. KJ Perry was huge for Concord with his outside shooting, helping cut into the lead and eventually, they were able to tie the game at 45. A few big plays from Perry and Javian Cannady, Concord held a 3-point lead late in the game but Collin Mills once again answered the bell with two straight buckets. With Concord down one, Cannady drove and finished a tough lay-in but there still was time left. With 8.6 seconds left, Asheville Christian got the ball in to Mills and he eventually drove with a floater but missed. However, Green was there on the boards and got the late tip-in with 1.6 seconds left. One last heave from Concord didn’t work and Asheville Christian came away with the HUGE playoff road win to move on, 52-51.
Stats:
Asheville Christian:
De’Ante Green 20 points
Collin Mills 20 points
Concord Academy:
KJ Perry 17 points
Javian Cannady 11 points
Standouts:
2021 Collin Mills (Asheville Christian): The senior guard continues to be one that I simply don’t understand why more schools haven’t gotten involved. Mills is a skilled, tough-minded guard that isn’t afraid of the bright lights and plays with a tremendous IQ. He doesn’t force much but simply isn’t afraid to pull the trigger on what the defense gives him. Mills does a tremendous job in attacking off the dribble when available or spotting up and knocking down shots, much like he did in this game.
2022 De’Ante Green (Asheville Christian): Green played extremely well in this one, moving well without the ball, creating openings for himself around the rim but also playing tough-man basketball and battling in the paint as well on both ends. His size on both sides created trouble, playing through contact and with touch offensively, as the skilled forward moved all around the court. But also being a defensive presence around the rim. When it came time for Green though to make a play, he did in a big way with his size, getting the game-winning tip-in to secure the W.
2021 Javian Cannady (Concord Academy): Cannady started to come alive in the second half, and when you watch him operate and how he impacts the floor, it is surprising someone has scooped him up. He can play multiple positions, brings athleticism and speed offensively, and can be an impact defensively. Finished multiple tough finishes in this game, really asserting himself and using his speed to get by defenders.
2021 KJ Perry (Concord Academy): Concord wouldn’t have had a chance to win without Perry, as he knocked down five 3-pointers in this game and brought the utmost energy to the floor. This kid leaves it all on the floor and even with his high-arching shot, he found success from outside. True energy guy that understands his role and stepped up big when his team needed it.