Region 8-A: St. John’s vs. Cross

If not for the powerhouse in Charleston known as Military Magnet, these two teams may be battling for first place in this Lower State region.   Both of these teams also recently played the Eagles (St. John's at home, Cross on the road) to less than desirable results. The Trojans, at the very least, went into Friday evening's contest with the Islanders in the throes of a three-game winning streak.    As for St. John's, they had a three-game win streak prior to the blowout loss to Military Magnet. This was also the same Islanders team that only lost to 13-4 Bamberg-Ehrhardt by four points at a midseason tournament.    Friday's clash of region 8-A foes would go the way of the Trojans as they defeated the Islanders with the final score being a lopsided 58-36.    Remember What Happened Last Time?   Cross scored narrow wins over St. John's in both of their contests last season. On Jan. 17, the Trojans only defeated the Islanders by one point (36-35) at Cross. Then on Feb. 8, the Trojans notched a 48-42 win at St. John's.   Quarter-By-Quarter   If the first quarter was any indication, it appeared that this one would result in another close get-together between these two teams – similar to last season. With one complete, Cross built up a six-point, 15-9 lead.    It was in the second quarter that Friday evening's contest began to have the look of a Trojans rout. Cross outscored St. John's by a margin of 20-9 to go ahead by double-digits. As halftime commenced, the Trojans had a 35-18 lead on the Islanders.    St. John's would draw a bit closer to Cross in the third frame as they outscored the Trojans by a slim margin of 15-12. With one stanza remaining in this clash of Region 8-A combatants, Cross would maintain a 47-33 advantage.    Then the fourth quarter occurred – and it was one where the Trojans managed to hold the Islanders' offensive attack to only three points. When the final buzzer sounded, Cross would earn its 11th win on the season.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/IMG_8598-crop-2749x1805-1705761735.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-841710" style="width:515px;height:auto" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='175391' first='Lauren' last='Middleton'] had herself another productive evening at the office with an 18-point performance. She was honored for an achievement she reached last season of getting to 1,000 points. Middleton also briefly exited the contest in the second half because of an ankle injury, but did return to play.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/IMG_8660-crop-1949x1280-1705761886.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-841712" style="width:511px;height:auto" /></figure>   Adding 16 points to the Cross cause was junior Zhania Fredericks. She also adds a long-range shooting dimension to the Trojans. Out of the five triples that Cross made for the game, three of them departed from Fredericks' hands.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/IMG_8637-crop-1833x1204-1705762061.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-841714" style="width:514px;height:auto" /></figure>   While Middleton and Fredericks keyed what the Trojans did from the backcourt, Ma'Laysia Johnson anchored what Cross got accomplished in the interior. Johnson would contribute 13 points.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/IMG_8613-crop-1942x1275-1705762223.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-841716" style="width:514px;height:auto" /></figure>   Speaking of 13-point scorers, the Islanders' leading point-getter also concluded her evening with that total. That would be senior point guard Kaniya Smith who also serves as team captain for St. John's.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/IMG_8608-crop-2789x1832-1705762366.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-841719" style="width:513px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Islanders also benefitted from the 12 points that were put on the board courtesy of sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='840355' first='Daeshia' last='Buford']. Unfortunately for St. John's, she would foul out of Friday's matchup.   What's Next?   On Monday, Cross will renew pleasantries with Military Magnet – this time at home. That same day, St. John's will be at Lowcountry Leadership.

If not for the powerhouse in Charleston known as Military Magnet, these two teams may be battling for first place in this Lower State region.