Arendell Parrott uses huge second-half run to defeat Grace Christian
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One halftime conversation spurred an epic run for Arendell Parrott.
The Patriots scored the first 25 points of the second half on the way to a 59-35 victory over Grace Christian of Raleigh in the second round of the NCISAA 3A state playoffs. APA heads to High Point Christian Academy Saturday at 1 p.m. after defending home court well in the first two rounds.
APA coach Kelly Johnson said the team had to change its mindset and it worked after a halftime conversation.
"I told them we were playing not to lose instead of playing to win, and there's a difference," Johnson said. "They really stepped up in the second half and played to win."
There were five ties and two lead changes in the first half as the teams were tied going into the second quarter. Grace Christian went on a 7-0 run, capped off by a Katie Lavelle 3-pointer and a basket by Kynndal Morris out the Eagles up 28-22 with 1:13 in the second.
Those were the last points Grace Christian scored for more than 13 minutes as APA exploded. Rachel Okonkowo scored to bring the team within 28-24 at the break, then she added eight points and three assists in the third quarter. When she hit two free throws to end the frame, the Patriots led 42-28.
"I knew it was my last home game and had to bring the energy," Okonkowo said. "At halftime, we had a big reset and listened to Coach, who told us to play to win. All I was thinking about was not losing, but was able to just focus on the game."
By the time Morris hit a free throw with 4:12 remaining, the Patriots had a 49-29 lead after a 27-0 run.
"Things weren't going our way and we weren't communicating with each other," APA's Caroline Ouano said. "Coach told us to get back to talking on the court and really believing in each other."
Okonkowo scored 22 points with nine rebounds, five assists and five rebounds to lead the Patriots. Ouano and Marlene Hille added 10 points each.
.
One halftime conversation spurred an epic run for Arendell Parrott.
The Patriots scored the first 25 points of the second half on the way to a 59-35 victory over Grace Christian of Raleigh in the second round of the NCISAA 3A state playoffs. APA heads to High Point Christian Academy Saturday at 1 p.m. after defending home court well in the first two rounds.
APA coach Kelly Johnson said the team had to change its mindset and it worked after a halftime conversation.
"I told them we were playing not to lose instead of playing to win, and there's a difference," Johnson said. "They really stepped up in the second half and played to win."
There were five ties and two lead changes in the first half as the teams were tied going into the second quarter. Grace Christian went on a 7-0 run, capped off by a Katie Lavelle 3-pointer and a basket by Kynndal Morris out the Eagles up 28-22 with 1:13 in the second.
Those were the last points Grace Christian scored for more than 13 minutes as APA exploded. Rachel Okonkowo scored to bring the team within 28-24 at the break, then she added eight points and three assists in the third quarter. When she hit two free throws to end the frame, the Patriots led 42-28.
"I knew it was my last home game and had to bring the energy," Okonkowo said. "At halftime, we had a big reset and listened to Coach, who told us to play to win. All I was thinking about was not losing, but was able to just focus on the game."
By the time Morris hit a free throw with 4:12 remaining, the Patriots had a 49-29 lead after a 27-0 run.
"Things weren't going our way and we weren't communicating with each other," APA's Caroline Ouano said. "Coach told us to get back to talking on the court and really believing in each other."
Okonkowo scored 22 points with nine rebounds, five assists and five rebounds to lead the Patriots. Ouano and Marlene Hille added 10 points each.
