PREP BOYS' BASKETBALL: Players' fight, determination please Hardison

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on January 9, 2017 9:57 AM

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By JUSTIN HAYES

jhayes@newsargus.com

Turnovers and missed shots.

That refrain burned the marquee of Faith Christian's 56-31 setback to N.C. Christian Schools Association 2-A District 4 foe Wilmington Christian Academy on Friday evening, as the school celebrated its 50th anniversary in front of a capacity crowd of former students and program luminaries.

WCA (7-13 overall, 1-2 District 4) opened in a torrent, scoring the contest's opening 12 points and holding Faith to just a single basket during the opening three minutes. The outburst was paced by the versatile combination of lead guard Carter Davenport and junior wing Conley Burk, who swarmed defensively and turned Faith miscues into easy transition baskets.

"We've had (those) problems throughout the year," head coach Stephen Hardison said of his team's start. "And tonight they both attacked at the same time -- that's a matter of concentration and work."

And the work -- a tough bit of uphill sledding -- was difficult throughout.

Wilmington Christian stretched its lead to 14 at the break, and despite an Alex Watson-inspired Faith outburst to start the third quarter, never entertained thoughts of anything but triumph.

Patriot center Jordan Holloway saw to that, scoring 11 of his game-high 18 points in the second half. At every turn, the junior was in the mix, even capping the third stanza with a buzzer-beating layup as time expired.

Faith contested, however.

The hosts fought throughout, led by Ethan Glover's eight points and four rebounds. Spencer Millen filed six points, as did junior forward Watson. Cooper Voeller, Jordan Hill, Jeremiah Benson and Dail Spence all made appearances in the official scorebook -- which also included a nine-rebound effort by Voeller.

"There is so much fight in these kids," Hardison noted. "The wins and losses will be forgotten, but the character (they displayed) will hopefully stick with them throughout the next chapters of their life. (I'm) very proud to be called their coach."

The setback moved Faith Christian to 6-14 on the season and 0-3 in league play. They host Wilson Christian Academy next Friday.