The season started for Phenom Hoops, as we headed out towards Concord to check in on Lincoln Charter at Concord Academy. First up, was the girl’s side and it was a scrappy battle between these two teams. Teams were getting adjusted early on in the season as teams were trading baskets early on. At the end of the first quarter, we were knotted up at 10. Second quarter though, Concord Academy was able to allow their defense to help their offense and get some easy baskets, helping them secure the narrow 21-15 halftime lead.
Second half, Concord Academy came out strong and started to attack the paint, starting the quarter off with a few easy baskets while still bringing a strong defensive presence. It helped them stretch their lead to double-digits a few minutes into the second half. But Lincoln Charter started to find their groove from deep, knocking down three consecutive threes to quickly cut into the lead and make this a one-possession game late in the third. Leading by five at the end of the third, it was Concord again that came out strong and quickly put it back to a double-digit lead. Concord was able to maintain their lead for the rest of the game and ultimately secured the 51-42 win at home to start the season.
Concord Academy: 10 – 11 – 15 – 15: 51
Lincoln Charter: 10 – 5 – 16 – 11: 42
Stat Leaders:
Concord Academy: Jada Steele 12 points/ Raven LeXander 13 points/ Zoey Ward 8 points
Lincoln Charter: Maddie Lusk 15 points/ Lauren Horton 10 points, 10 rebounds
Standouts:
2023 Zoey Ward (Concord Academy): Ward looks to be one of the leaders for this team and it is easy to see why with what she can do and provide on the floor. She has good size, can create for herself and get to the basket, but also step out for her outside shot; very versatile type of player. And with her size, she also helps get on the boards.
2024 Raven LeXander (Concord Academy): LeXander is one to really watch in the area. Still young, she has tremendous size and really well on the court. Offensively, she can score on all levels, finishing in the paint or stepping out from three, but she also uses his size to get on the boards. LeXander runs the floor and can create for herself off the dribble as well.
2023 Mckenzie Taylor (Concord Academy): Coaches have to love a scrappy point guard and Taylor is one of those. Offensively, she is what stirs the drink for this team as she is a capable ball-handler, sees the floor well, and really finds her teammates well. She also uses her quickness to get by defenders as well. Defensively, she is a scrappy, quick defender that really gets into her opponents and can create havoc.
2022 Lauren Horton (Lincoln Charter): Horton might have been my favorite play on the night just because of how hard she works on the floor. First off, she has terrific range on her shot as she can make you pay if you leave her open from three. But she also is a crafty ball-handler that uses her dribble well to get around defenders. You add on top of her relentless work on the boards and playing extremely physical, there was a lot to like about her game.
2023 Maddie Lusk (Lincoln Charter): Lusk is a high IQ type of guard, one that gives up good shots for even better shots. On several occasions, she showcased her confidence and fluid shot-making ability from multiple levels. A smooth shooter that hit some big shots throughout the game.