Andrew Jackson Academy vs Patrick Henry Academy

At 16-1 and being last season’s SCISA single-A runner up, the Patriots left some unfinished business on the table from 2021-22 that they hope to finish this time around. Patrick Henry Academy had won most of its games this season via rout – and Friday night’s matchup to close out the regular season was no exception as the Patriots routed the Warriors of Andrew Jackson Academy with the final score being 61-34. Prep Girls Hoops made it out to Patrick Henry Academy to take in all of the sights and sounds. Here are a few notes and takeaways from Patriots vs. Warriors. <strong><em>Time Travel</em></strong> One could automatically step into the gym at Patrick Henry Academy and feel as if they stepped in a time machine back to the 1960s or the 1970s. From the old school feel of the classic court to the music played during halftime and timeouts to even the classic feel that the uniforms gave off. If one wants an old school spice to a basketball viewing experience, the home court of these Patriots is the way to go. <strong><em>January 29</em></strong> That was the last time the Patriots and Warriors and that game too was decided in favor of the Patriots via a 60-31 decision. <strong><em>Primetime Performers</em></strong> <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8648-scaled-crop-1350x887-1644664655.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-387320" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8648-scaled-crop-1350x887-1644664655-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Fittingly on senior night, the Patriots’ senior class powered Patrick Henry Academy’s way to a win. The Patriots went with an all-2022 starting five and one of those upperclassmen in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="249922" first="Saniah" last="Sexton"]</strong> led all point-getters with 25 points. She can score from anywhere on the court – behind the arc, midrange, attacking the basket or at the free throw line. Sexton can get from one end of the floor to the other with the ball in her hand and is part of the overall unselfish style of basketball the Patriots play that emphasizes making efficient passes. Ball movement, handling the ball, rebounding and deflecting passes on defense are part of her overall skill set. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8602-scaled-crop-1694x1112-1644664787.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-387322" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8602-scaled-crop-1694x1112-1644664787-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> <strong>Madelyn McKenzie (2022)</strong> scored nine points – all in the first half. She will direct traffic on offense, try 3-point shots, make efficient passes and will also shoot the ball from midrange. Defensively, she will help out on double teams, deflect an opposing team’s passes and come up with steals. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8622-scaled-crop-1350x887-1644664893.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-387324" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8622-scaled-crop-1350x887-1644664893-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> <strong>Kaylee Bratcher (2022)</strong> had eight points – six of which occurred in the third quarter and much of that was created by her ability to get to the rim in transition. She will also look to make things happen in the midrange game. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8615-scaled-crop-1350x887-1644664985.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-387326" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8615-scaled-crop-1350x887-1644664985-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> <strong>Logan Cone (2022)</strong> also finished with eight. She fits into the overall flow of the Patrick Henry Academy offense with how she moves the ball. Defensively, she deflects passes, comes up with steals and will put opposing ball carriers into precarious double team scenarios. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8626-scaled-crop-1472x967-1644665197.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-387328" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8626-scaled-crop-1472x967-1644665197-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="323979" first="McKenzie" last="Beard"]</strong> led all Warriors point-getters with 10 – seven of which came in the second half and good bit of those 10 came from the free throw line. She is listed as a 5-foot-10 big and will grab rebounds as much as she can score. Beard will draw contact and get to the free throw line, make plenty of plays near the rim, will box out in case of an opponent’s missed free throw and can be a vocal leader defensively. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8628-scaled-crop-1778x1168-1644665330.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-387330" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/IMG_8628-scaled-crop-1778x1168-1644665330-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> <strong>Hannah Scharber (2022)</strong>, listed at 5-foot-7, tallied seven points – six in the first half. She too will absorb contact en route to the line, but also will shoot 3-pointers. Scharber attracts plenty of attention from defenses. Defensively, she deflects passes, keeps her hands out and prepares to rebound in case of a missed free throw by an opposing shooter. She is also a skilled rebounder. <strong><em>How Many Seniors? </em></strong> Of course, schools everywhere are having their senior nights to honor their 2022 classes. Coach Belinda McCoy is graduating five seniors from this senior’s rendition of Patriots basketball. Those five were honored prior to the start of the girls’ varsity matchup. Sexton, Cone, McKenzie, Bratcher and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="171777" first="Laney" last="Stanfield"]</strong> were the five seniors. <strong><em>Records</em></strong> The Patriots conclude its regular season at 17-1 and a perfect 12-0 in SCISA Region 2-A. The only blemish on the season came against Cathedral Academy in early December. The Warriors conclude at 13-8 and went 6-5 in the same region. <strong><em>Up Next</em></strong> SCISA’s playoffs begin on February 18. The Patriots are in prime position to be on the bracket as a top seed and the Warriors look to be in position to be one of the 16 teams on the SCISA single-A as well.