It was our second game of the night on Thursday night, as we went down the road to check in at Gaston Christian as they welcomed in Calvary Day for a playoff showdown. Getting there at the start of the second quarter, Gaston Christian was able to gain the early edge with a 13-9 first-quarter lead. Gaston Christian was able to maintain their lead heading into halftime behind the shooting of Preston Shuford and Jahseem Felton, leading 30-28. But Calvary Day came out incredibly strong and turned a 2-point deficit to a double-digit lead in the third quarter, outscoring Gaston 18-4 behind the play of 2023 Jaydin Spillman. Fourth quarter, things started to get tight. Jahseem Felton turned it up in a big way to get his team back in the game but Spillman seemed to have an answer for Calvary. 2024 Joe Rhyne knocked down some big threes late and Felton really played strong, as Gaston was able to battle back and tie it up at 59. Gaston actually had a chance to win it at the end but the three-point shot just didn’t fall for Cam Newman.
In overtime, it was the Spillman show for Calvary as he scored seven of his 25 points in overtime that ultimately sealed the deal on the road, as Calvary Day won 67-61 to move on in the playoffs.
Final: Calvary Day 67 – Gaston Christian 61
Stats:
Calvary Day: Jaydin Spillman 25pts/ Eli Johnson 14pts/ Dane Cassada 11pts
Gaston: Jahseem Felton 31pts/ Joe Rhyne 11pts/ Preston Shuford 13pts
Standouts/Thoughts:
- Let’s start with 2023 Jaydin Spillman for Calvary Day, who finished with a double-double on the night and really elevated his game to another level when his team needed him the most. He has continued to develop his game, his skill set, and his overall feel, showcasing his handles more and ability to step out but also use his size to be all over the boards and finish around the basket. He continues to show his comfort level in operating in a variety of ways and multiple levels. Impressive showing and stepped up huge when his team needed him.
- The other star of this game was 2024 Jahseem Felton and the way he has been playing towards the end of the season, he has been playing at an extremely high level and proving his national ranking. He put his team on his back late, played incredibly strong, had to play big and find ways to score, create for himself, and score from all levels of the floor on his way to 31 points.
- 2023 Preston Shuford showcased his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, and so did 2024 Joe Rhyne, stepping up big late and displaying his range in key situations. 2025 Dane Cassada for Calvary Day was another that impressed, showing his maturity level and ability to be the primary ball-handler, playing with poise, and stepping up with big shots in the second half.