ANDERSON — One metropolis rival's streak of dominance over one other might have continued, however the competitiveness of this version might have shocked some.
Led by freshman TJ English and Kendrick Martin, Liberty Christian took down a decided Anderson Prep crew 44-32 Friday evening at The Hangar.
It was the Jets' fifth straight lack of the season and seventh straight since dropping to Liberty Christian (4-3). The Lions snapped their very own two-game skid once they received their fifteenth in 16 video games towards APA (1-6).
However not like many latest conferences between the colleges, this one was aggressive all through.
“Simply staying centered — that was our factor, staying centered,” APA coach Ryan Fathauer stated. “There was a lot trash discuss, however I believe I used to be extra impressed with how centered our guys had been.
The Jets led simply as soon as at 12-10 after a pair of free throws by Makel Brown, however didn't let the Lions draw back till the closing moments of the fourth quarter.
The closeness of the rating in entrance of a big — and raucous — crowd created an environment paying homage to the postseason forward.
APA performed nice. They got here out, performed laborious and challenged us,” LC coach Norman Anderson stated. “I felt it. Great spot to play, nice environment, it's loud. They performed and it was an amazing recreation for town.”
Whereas studying, this match confirmed the expertise and potential of English and Martin.
Every linked on early 3-pointers within the first quarter and Martin hit a second to present the Lions the lead for good at 13-12.
English then opened the scoring within the second quarter with a steal and layup earlier than Martin adopted with a steal and dunk that introduced the Lions followers to their toes.
“He's nonetheless studying. They continue to grow,” Coach Anderson stated. “I instructed the fellows that we're within the second quarter of the season, so I'm not going to categorise the fellows as 'younger' anymore. That development continues.”
However the Jets by no means went away.
Regardless of their main scorer scoring simply two factors within the first half, APA solely trailed 21-14 on the half.
Lincoln Fathauer answered the buzzer instantly for the Jets within the third quarter, scoring within the lane earlier than drilling a 3-pointer to drag the Jets inside two factors at 21-19.
That lead was reduce to at least one at 23-22 after Fathauer discovered Camron Anderson for a 3-pointer of his personal, preserving hope alive for the Jets.
However English scored back-to-back baskets earlier than Martin had one of the crucial spectacular sequences of the evening.
Martin maintained a 27-22 lead, blocked an APA shot, grabbed his personal rebound, drove the size of the ground and — in site visitors — made a reverse layup that required him to make use of some spin off the glass to make it work. Martin scored once more later within the third quarter earlier than Devon Kelley drilled a 3-pointer to shut the interval with a 34-26 Lions benefit.
However essentially the most talked about was the Englishman, who had 15 factors and 9 rebounds, and Martin, who completed with 14 factors, and the potential they each carry to the desk.
“They must proceed to step up and broaden,” Coach Anderson stated.
The Lions scored the primary six factors of the fourth quarter to construct a double-digit lead that they held the remainder of the sport.
Fathauer led the Jets with eight factors, whereas Camron Anderson had seven factors and eight rebounds.
The Lions will face their third Class 4A opponent this Saturday of the season when Pendleton Heights involves The Den whereas APA travels to the Tri subsequent Thursday.
LC additionally beat APA within the junior varsity contest 40-31 behind 12 factors from Jude Kelly-Rigney. Jeffery Flowers led the Jets with 10 factors.
