Takeaways from Mt. Zion vs New York International Academy
This past Thursday, Mt. Zion Prep hosted New York International Academy in their home opener at the Wagner Center on the old Washington Bible College campus. The Warriors protected home court and defeated the Eagles 69-64 to advance to 2-0 on the season.
Here are some takeaways from the Mt. Zion perspective:
Rob Carpenter can carry the load
Carpenter looks like a completely new player from last season. The Detroit native has put in the work in the weight room to fill out his 6-foot-7 frame. The senior led the Warriors with 22 points and dominated around the rim. Carpenter had multiple dunks that helped swing the momentum for Mt. Zion. When he wasn’t contesting shots around the rim, he was controlling the defensive glass. Carpenter has all of the tools to be a coveted mid-major player.
Caleb Matthews is an elite shooter
Matthews is a 6-foot-3 guard that can flat out shoot it. He finished this contest with 12 points to follow Carpenter’s 22, including two three-pointers. His one two-point field goal that he made was meant to be a three, but his toe was on the line. Matthews made an impact in transition, capitalizing as the defense was scrambling. They also ran a fair number of plays for him in the half court coming off down screens in which he took advantage of.
Savion Gallion provides energy off the bench
Gallion cameo off the bench for this game after starting in their win against Navy’s JV squad. It didn’t take him long to made his presence felt. Gallion is a 6-foot-3 guard who plays actively on both ends. Sometimes his energy can be used to get the best of him, but in this game, he provided the intensity the starting five was missing. Gallion finished with 10 points, but made it a priority to get his team out in the open floor and capitalize with lay ups or dunks.
Point guard depth may be an issue
The Warriors have solid depth at every position except one, point guard. Three different players got their shot in the game Thursday, but none made a strong argument for themselves as the floor general. There was simply no leadership characteristics with the starter. All three that played turned the ball over at an alarming rate. If and when they find some consistent play at this position, the team will reach its potential.