Crossroads extends winning streak in record-setting season
By Bryant Baucom bbaucom@hendersondispatch.com; 252-436-2840 Jan 11, 2023 Updated 12 hrs ago
HENDERSON — Returning to both their home floor and conference play, Crossroads Christian swept the varsity twinbill on Tuesday as they played host to Cresset Christian Academy.
The Colts girls basketball team improved to 14-1 on the season and extended their winning streak to seven games with a 75-30 victory over the Eagles.
It was a wire-to-wire win for Cammy Simmons’ squad, who began the game on an 18-0 run and never looked back. Their full-court press combined with their speed on the fast-break created high-percentage looks and pressured Cresset Christian into turning over the basketball.
The key for Crossroads was the ability to share the basketball and pass up good looks for great ones.
“I thought we moved the ball well to get the shots we wanted,” said Simmons. “We had nine players score and three scored [in] double digits.”
Sophomore Elysaa Phillips powered the Colts’ offense with a game-high 17 points. Senior Isreal Thorpe (15 points) and sophomore Mattie Grissom (12 points) aided the offensive attack in Henderson.
With 50 or more points in all 15 games and averaging 62 points per contest, Crossroads has turned into a dynamic two-way team.
For a roster that allows just 24 points a game, Simmons credits their defensive performance in the victory, as they turned in another impressive outing.
“Our defense was on point as far as keeping Cresset out of the paint,” said Simmons. “They have a girl that can drive to the basket very well and score, so I thought we did a good job making her shoot jumpers.”
As the Colts lose the book on their mid-week victory, they turn their attention to a heavyweight non-conference matchup on Thursday.
Oak Forest, based out of Wake Forest, will visit Henderson with a 13-2 record and an eight-game winning streak on the line.
Oak Forest is “a good team and very well coached. We played them last year and it didn’t go so well for us, but this year is different,” said Simmons. “We are more confident this year, we are more disciplined; we are playing great team basketball.”
The Warriors are a stellar 7-1 on the road and 9-2 away from home this season.
Sitting at 14 wins on the year, Crossroads, who is tasked with a high-powered opponent, is presented with the opportunity to cement themselves as a state championship contender with a win.
As Simmons eyes Thursday’s matchup, it’s a reminder of who the Colts are now and how their past is influencing their future.
“We are changing the way girls’ basketball is played at CCS,” said Simmons. “It stems from the ‘COLTure,’ as we like to call it, that we have been building here in the last several years. It’s going to be a good game and it will help us in the long run getting ready for the postseason.”
Tip-off is set for 6:45 p.m.
By Bryant Baucom bbaucom@hendersondispatch.com; 252-436-2840 Jan 11, 2023 Updated 12 hrs ago
HENDERSON — Returning to both their home floor and conference play, Crossroads Christian swept the varsity twinbill on Tuesday as they played host to Cresset Christian Academy.
The Colts girls basketball team improved to 14-1 on the season and extended their winning streak to seven games with a 75-30 victory over the Eagles.
It was a wire-to-wire win for Cammy Simmons’ squad, who began the game on an 18-0 run and never looked back. Their full-court press combined with their speed on the fast-break created high-percentage looks and pressured Cresset Christian into turning over the basketball.
The key for Crossroads was the ability to share the basketball and pass up good looks for great ones.
“I thought we moved the ball well to get the shots we wanted,” said Simmons. “We had nine players score and three scored [in] double digits.”
Sophomore Elysaa Phillips powered the Colts’ offense with a game-high 17 points. Senior Isreal Thorpe (15 points) and sophomore Mattie Grissom (12 points) aided the offensive attack in Henderson.
With 50 or more points in all 15 games and averaging 62 points per contest, Crossroads has turned into a dynamic two-way team.
For a roster that allows just 24 points a game, Simmons credits their defensive performance in the victory, as they turned in another impressive outing.
“Our defense was on point as far as keeping Cresset out of the paint,” said Simmons. “They have a girl that can drive to the basket very well and score, so I thought we did a good job making her shoot jumpers.”
As the Colts lose the book on their mid-week victory, they turn their attention to a heavyweight non-conference matchup on Thursday.
Oak Forest, based out of Wake Forest, will visit Henderson with a 13-2 record and an eight-game winning streak on the line.
Oak Forest is “a good team and very well coached. We played them last year and it didn’t go so well for us, but this year is different,” said Simmons. “We are more confident this year, we are more disciplined; we are playing great team basketball.”
The Warriors are a stellar 7-1 on the road and 9-2 away from home this season.
Sitting at 14 wins on the year, Crossroads, who is tasked with a high-powered opponent, is presented with the opportunity to cement themselves as a state championship contender with a win.
As Simmons eyes Thursday’s matchup, it’s a reminder of who the Colts are now and how their past is influencing their future.
“We are changing the way girls’ basketball is played at CCS,” said Simmons. “It stems from the ‘COLTure,’ as we like to call it, that we have been building here in the last several years. It’s going to be a good game and it will help us in the long run getting ready for the postseason.”
Tip-off is set for 6:45 p.m.
