Game 3 was on its way here in Lincolnton (NC) as Winston Salem Christian National got in on the action. They took on QEA which was able to secure a Day 1 victory and advance. Neither team was able to get really going in the first quarter, as QEA held the slight edge 8-6 but it was the defensive intensity that picked up for WS Christian that changed the game in the second quarter. The offense started to get going with WS Christian’s length and ability to allow its defense to turn into offense. That intensity allowed WS to turn a deficit into a double-digit halftime lead.
The low-scoring affair continued in the second half, as WS Christian National really made it tough for QEA to find open shots but they continued to battle throughout the quarter. They were able to stay within striking distance after three, but QEA had their work cut out for them still. WS Christian was able to continue to harass QEA defensively, which allowed them to expand their lead to nearly 20 points in the end, securing the win and moving on.
Final: WS Christian National 60 – Quality Education 45
Stats:
WS: Torey Alston 17pts, Kobe George 11pts, Isaiah Washington 9pts
QEA: Keyon Webb 12pts, Jay Anderson 8pts, Tyson Barrett 7pts
Standouts:
2023 Torey Alston (WS Christian): Alston’s improvement in his overall game and impact has been incredible to watch, and it will be fun to see what he can do at the next level. But in this game, Alston not only showed how fluid and skilled he can be as a forward (handle, feel, and touch) but also his impact on the defensive end in blocking shots.
2023 TJ Cave (WS Christian): Cave may not always get the accolades he deserves, but he was a big difference-maker in this game. Coming off the bench, he provide that spark defensively and helped set the tone that turned the game around in the first half. An absolute pest defensively on the ball and helps create turnovers but also did a nice job running the show and getting everyone involved.
2023 Keyon Webb (QEA): Though it was a tough game overall, Webb was the clear leader that found success in this game. Overall, tough, physical guard that was able to create and make plays, get to the line, and did a nice job in mixing it up in creating for himself or for others. Webb played hard on both ends of the floor all game long.