APA prepares for NCISAA semifinals clash with defending champion Asheville Christian
Arendell Parrott (16-2) at Asheville Christian (12-7), 4:30 p.m.
Playoffs: Asheville Christian defeated Hickory Grove Christian 53-21; Arendell Parrott defeated Fayetteville Christian 44-24, St. David’s 27-24
APA has a tall task Tuesday, but will look to rise to the challenge.
The Patriots take on Asheville Christian Tuesday in the NCISAA 3A state playoff semifinals. This will be APA’s first trip to this level since 2004 and the 320-mile trip to Swannanoa (according to Google Maps) will be made to face the defending state champions.
The Lions record is deceptive, as Maxpreps listed the team No. 1 in terms of strength of schedule, which allowed them to nab the top seed in the West. Asheville Christian, received a bye before rolling past Hickory Grove Christian, impressing APA coach Kelly Johnson with tenacious defense.
“They play really good man-to-man defense,” Johnson said. “They’re not the tallest team out there, but they’re solid inside, shoot the ball well, have great defensive pressure, play the passing lane and close gaps. We’re going to have to take care of the ball, as they generate a lot of offense off steals and rebounds. They have two or three good shooters as well, so when we’re in our zone we have to close out well.
“Besides their defense, their offensive rebounding is great, so we have to crash the boards after missed shots. Offensively, we have to execute, running our motion, making good passes and decisions.”
The Lions are led by Nahndi Smith (14.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.4 spg) and Caroline Sikkink (9.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.2 spg). Asheville Christian will be defensive-oriented, but APA will have a similar mindset.
“Our defense has helped us win most of our games, so we’ll look to keep that going, trying to improve,” Patriots’ forward Rachel Okonkwo said.
Virginia Edmondson is one of two seniors on the roster, along with Emily Sydes, and said the team will be looking to extend the season.
“It’s definitely going to be hard, but we can do it if we work as a team,” Edmondson said. “It’s my last year, and it would be cool to go out with a win.”
The game can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/ACA-Lions-Athletics-Asheville-Christian-Academy-151211518231933/
Arendell Parrott (16-2) at Asheville Christian (12-7), 4:30 p.m.
Playoffs: Asheville Christian defeated Hickory Grove Christian 53-21; Arendell Parrott defeated Fayetteville Christian 44-24, St. David’s 27-24
APA has a tall task Tuesday, but will look to rise to the challenge.
The Patriots take on Asheville Christian Tuesday in the NCISAA 3A state playoff semifinals. This will be APA’s first trip to this level since 2004 and the 320-mile trip to Swannanoa (according to Google Maps) will be made to face the defending state champions.
The Lions record is deceptive, as Maxpreps listed the team No. 1 in terms of strength of schedule, which allowed them to nab the top seed in the West. Asheville Christian, received a bye before rolling past Hickory Grove Christian, impressing APA coach Kelly Johnson with tenacious defense.
“They play really good man-to-man defense,” Johnson said. “They’re not the tallest team out there, but they’re solid inside, shoot the ball well, have great defensive pressure, play the passing lane and close gaps. We’re going to have to take care of the ball, as they generate a lot of offense off steals and rebounds. They have two or three good shooters as well, so when we’re in our zone we have to close out well.
“Besides their defense, their offensive rebounding is great, so we have to crash the boards after missed shots. Offensively, we have to execute, running our motion, making good passes and decisions.”
The Lions are led by Nahndi Smith (14.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.4 spg) and Caroline Sikkink (9.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.2 spg). Asheville Christian will be defensive-oriented, but APA will have a similar mindset.
“Our defense has helped us win most of our games, so we’ll look to keep that going, trying to improve,” Patriots’ forward Rachel Okonkwo said.
Virginia Edmondson is one of two seniors on the roster, along with Emily Sydes, and said the team will be looking to extend the season.
“It’s definitely going to be hard, but we can do it if we work as a team,” Edmondson said. “It’s my last year, and it would be cool to go out with a win.”
The game can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/ACA-Lions-Athletics-Asheville-Christian-Academy-151211518231933/
