CGHR Carolina Clash: Varsity Results

November has given way to December which means the period of midseason tournaments to commence the 2023-24 basketball season is really about to be in full swing.    One of those latest tournaments was put together by Carolina Girls Hoops Report and was located in Concord at Jay M. Robinson HS. The 3A school is not that far away from Charlotte Motor Speedway and played host to a multi-day tournament that invited teams from not only the Hoop State, but also from South Carolina as well as Tennessee.    We at Prep Girls Hoops were on site for all of this weekend's festivities. Three varsity matchups took place over those last few days. Here is a recap of all the action.    Friday: Legacy Early College (SC) vs. Clarksville Christian (TN)   A pair of out-of-state schools were first on the card for this weekend as the Lions of Legacy Early College matched up against the Centurions of Clarksville Christian.    Entering this matchup, both teams were fresh off of victories. The Lions improved their record to 2-1 following a 61-56 victory over Rabun Gap-Nacoochee out of Georgia. As for the Centurions, they have began the season with a 5-0 record – including its latest victory which came at the expense of Christian Community.    Something had to give. The contest between Legacy Early College and Clarksville Christian was the lone contest of Friday's play and it went the way of the Lions with the final being an entertaining 43-40 over the Centurions.    Quarter-By-Quarter   The beginning eight minutes would see Legacy Early College successfully execute its offense while Clarksville Christian was having problems getting its in sync. The Centurions showed signs of life later in the first quarter and were able to trim what was a double-digit margin to single digits. It was 16-10 in favor of the Lions with one in the books.    Clarksville Christian managed to draw even with Legacy Early College in the second quarter as the two teams were all knotted up at 17 at one point. The Lions then embarked on a 9-2 run and went into halftime ahead by a score of 26-19.   When the third quarter commenced, it had to conjure flashbacks to the first quarter when Legacy Early College opened up a double-digit edge. The Lions began the frame with a 7-0 run but the Centurions still managed to trim its deficit to single digits at the conclusion of said stanza. It was 36-27 in Legacy's favor with one quarter to play.   Clarksville Christian refused to go away without a battle – and it was a battle that in the latter moments of the fourth quarter had them within striking distance of Legacy Early College as it was only a three-point game. The Lions managed to hold off the Centurions for the 43-40 victory.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5771.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-815896" style="width:396px;height:auto" /></figure>   This week's event at Jay M. Robinson was one where nationally recognized recruits took center stage. [player_tooltip player_id='252864' first='Mila' last='Holloway'], who is a commit to Michigan, displayed what Wolverines fans are in for when she makes the jump to the Big Ten next season. She finished with 15 points.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5770-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-815895" style="width:397px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='175309' first='Jaida' last='Cameron'] is in her first season with the Lions after transferring from 4A South Florence. Cameron also played a big role in Legacy Early College's tough victory with a 15-point performance.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5776-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-815897" style="width:394px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Lions also had a third reliable scorer in the form of junior Janyia Williams. She managed to lead Legacy Early College's efforts in the interior. She finished with eight points for Friday evening's contest.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5767-crop-3324x2183-1701568777.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-816065" style="width:391px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='821620' first='Lauren' last='Hassell'] displayed exactly why she is on ESPN's watchlist for 2027s to keep on eye out for. Hassell led Clarksville Christian's efforts with 16 points and also managed to do a great deal of work on the boards with her 6-foot-3 frame.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5748-crop-3910x2567-1701568898.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-816067" style="width:388px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Centurions managed to throw a secret weapon off the bench at the Lions. That also was in the form of a freshman in Alex Anderson who tallied 14 points. Anderson was key in Clarksville Christian's comeback effort with back-to-back treys in the fourth quarter.    What's Next?   The Centurions will resume play against in-state opponents on Tuesday when they travel to South Haven Christian. As for the Lions, next on their schedule will be a road contest at Victory Christian which will be coming off competing in this year's Diamonds Classic.    Saturday: [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep vs. Northside Christian   The first contest of the two varsity games that occurred on Saturday featured a pair of in-state combatants as the Charlotte area's [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep and Northside Christian were the next two teams to take the court at Jay M. Robinson HS.    One team entered this weekend's event coming off of a win – the other a defeat. The Knights of Northside Christian recently scored a win via a rout of Gaston Christian while [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep suffered a defeat to a team out of the Triad – High Point Christian Academy.    The second varsity team to notch a victory at this year's CGHR Carolina Clash was [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep with its 48-45 triumph over Northside Christian.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Quarter number one featured what had to be one of the most loosely officiated eight minutes of basketball one would see as only four fouls were called between the two teams. Where it mattered on the scoreboard saw [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep lead Northside Christian 8-1 at its conclusion.   Fortunes improved greatly for the Knights in the second quarter as a combination of offense and defense made it a game vs. [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep. At the half, [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep still maintained a four-point, 16-12 edge over Northside Christian.   Thanks to a barrage of 3-pointers to open the third, [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep managed to put a bit of distance between themselves and the Knights but a buzzer-beating triple from Northside Christian ensured it would be a two-possession contest with one quarter to play. With three complete, it was 36-30 in favor of [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep.   Every point ended up mattering between these two teams as this one came down to the wire. A pair of clutch free throws by [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep made it a three-point game late, forcing the Knights to attempt a 3-pointer on their final possession. It was unsuccessful and [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep departed Jay M. Robinson HS with the 48-45 victory.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5784.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-816071" style="width:455px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='390859' first='Reese' last='Fritz'] spearheaded the [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep effort from behind the 3-point line and finished with 17 points overall. Fritz displayed exactly why Montreat, Randolph Macon and, most recently, Kenyon College have extended offers in her direction.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5792.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-816072" style="width:429px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='242934' first='Alana' last='Hankerson'] contributed 15 points to the [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep total. The former standout at Rock Hill and Charlotte Country Day also had herself a productive game from behind the arc. She drained three 3-pointers.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5796.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-816073" style="width:457px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='267232' first='Alyssa' last='Hankerson'] finished Saturday afternoon's matchup with eight points – but it would be the last two of those eight that would count the most in the [program_tooltip program_id='713552' first='1' last='of 1'] Prep victory. Those two came at the free throw line which made it a three-point game late in the fourth quarter.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5813-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-816078" style="width:501px;height:auto" /></figure>   Northside Christian was in this one from start to finish and the play of eighth grade forward [player_tooltip player_id='658949' first='Jakaila' last='Gaskin'] was a major reason why. Gaskin concluded her Saturday afternoon having scored 13 points. She stands at 6-foot-3 and will convert on many a high-percentage shot opportunity.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5810.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-816079" style="width:496px;height:auto" /></figure>   The youth movement was on full display for the Knights. Morgan Fields, who stands at 5-foot-10, finished the game with 12 points. She primarily plays as a forward but will also log minutes as a wing. Not to mention – she is a seventh grader.    Saturday: Grace Christian (NC) vs. Clarksville Christian (TN)   Two of the varsity contests that were to take place at Jay M. Robinson were in the books. Only one remained.    That was between Grace Christian and Clarksville Christian. This would be the second matchup that the Centurions would play this event following their narrow defeat to Legacy Early College. As for the Crusaders, they came into this contest having begun the season at a perfect 5-0 – including its latest victory which occurred in blowout fashion to Cresset Christian.   It would be the Crusaders who would close out the Carolina Clash with a victory as they prevailed over the Centurions with the final being 56-39.    Quarter-By-Quarter   Those that were on hand at Jay M. Robinson this past weekend have been treated to some scintillating basketball. One would expect the final matchup of the event would be no different – especially with some nationally recognized prospects taking center stage. Scoringwise, it would be advantage Grace Christian over Clarksville Christian as the Crusaders led the Centurions 12-5 following the first quarter.    What was a seven-point lead for the Crusaders increased to a double-digit Grace Christian edge at the half. As both teams entered their respective locker rooms, the Crusaders led the Centurions by a tally of 26-14.   After being held to single digit scoring outputs in the first and second quarters, Clarksville Christian got on the board by double digits in the third frame as they placed 12 on the board that quarter. Grace Christian scored 13 in the third. It was 39-26 Crusaders over Centurions with eight minutes left.   Even though Grace Christian had a double-digit lead, it did not feel like a game that was a rout. Not only did the Crusaders pick up the win over the Centurions, but they also maintained its undefeated season – so far – in 2023-24.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5843.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-816080" style="width:433px;height:auto" /></figure>   A 16-point performance courtesy of [player_tooltip player_id='285941' first='Isa' last='Roman'] paved the way for what was another Grace Christian victory. She particularly was effective from behind the 3-point line as she made four of her attempts from deep.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5847.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-816081" style="width:434px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='261084' first='Sarah' last='Strong'] concluded her contest with 15 points. Clarksville Christian's defense managed to limit Strong's touches early in the game, but one had to envision Strong would eventually get on the scoreboard with regularity. As of this writing, she is the top-ranked 2024 in North Carolina and has yet to announce her collegiate commitment.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5849.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-816082" style="width:430px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='412215' first='Icyss' last='Storm'] also contributed 10 points to what was a winning Crusaders effort. She did plenty of scoring damage early on as six of her 10 were placed on the scoreboard in the first quarter of action.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5845.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-816083" style="width:426px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Crusaders were also the beneficiaries of a big game courtesy of senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='261083' first='Serenity' last='McNair']. She contributed eight points to Grace Christian's efforts. McNair is listed at 5-foot-5 on the Crusaders' roster.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5834-crop-2119x1392-1701570196.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-816085" style="width:429px;height:auto" /></figure>   Leading all Centurions point-getters with 11 points was Nevaeh Brooks. Out of the five 3-pointers that Clarksville Christian made for the game, two of those triples departed from Brooks' hands.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_5830.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-816086" style="width:424px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='821620' first='Lauren' last='Hassell'] had herself another productive evening with a 10-point showing. In addition, she had the responsibility of guarding Grace Christian's [player_tooltip player_id='261084' first='Sarah' last='Strong'] – not an easy defensive assignment – for much of Saturday's get-together.    What's Next?   What's next for the Crusaders is them returning home on Wednesday to host 2A Seaforth. The Centurions played two games as part of this past weekend's event and will return to in-state competition on Tuesday at South Haven Christian.

November has given way to December which means the period of midseason tournaments to commence the 2023-24 basketball season is really about to be in full swing.