5 Takeaways: Cape Central vs Confluence
The 4pm tip at the Charleston 6th Man Shootout had a postseason feel as highly ranked Cape Central (17-2) squared off against a dangerous, new-look Confluence (7-11). Both teams were hot coming in. Cape Central had just wrapped up a…
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Continue ReadingThe 4pm tip at the Charleston 6th Man Shootout had a postseason feel as highly ranked Cape Central (17-2) squared off against a dangerous, new-look Confluence (7-11). Both teams were hot coming in. Cape Central had just wrapped up a Scott-Miss Conference Tournament championship, and Confluence entered the contest winners of 4 straight. It was a tight, back and forth contest throughout as the stars stepped up for both teams and two excellent coaches made key adjustments. The game featured multiple ties and lead changes. Cape Central held a slim 30-27 lead at the break and held on late for a 53-47 victory. Here are our “5 Biggest Takeaways” from the Class 4 battle.
Cape Central Fueled By Inspiration:
In a showing of solidarity for legendary Coach Terry Kitchen, who sadly lost his battle with cancer this week, the Tigers donned orange headbands with individual messages in support of him and his family. All of Tiger Nation has rallied during this time and it was obvious that they were an inspired group who refused to lose or give anything less than their best effort against Confluence over the weekend. Not only have they dedicated their efforts to Coach Kitchen on the court, but the outpouring of love and tribute has been a gracious reminder that life is so much bigger than basketball. Kudos to everyone at Cape Central as well as the Charleston administration for honoring Coach Kitchen with a moment of silence prior to the game.
Cape Central’s Ability to Play Multiple Styles:
I came away very impressed with Cape Central’s ability to impose their will and play at a high level through multiple styles. They are a very athletic group, led by Chauncey Hughes (game high 22 points) and Kinyon Hodges, that likes to get up and down the floor. That dynamic pair can score it at all three levels and they have great depth and complementary pieces, like Doreante Tucker who chipped in 11 key points in the win. They were able to effectively execute their up-tempo style against an equally athletic Confluence team. They were equally impressive in the late stages of the game. They slowed the tempo, spread the floor, frustrated the Confluence defenders, and picked their times to attack and score. You have to be able to win in multiple ways to bring home a title, and Cape Central proved they can do just that.
Confluence’s New Stars Held In Check:
Since the New Year rolled around, Confluence has been rolling largely in-part to the influx of new talent. 6’4 Lyndell Hunt has proved to be a force inside the arc, scoring at a high rate. Also, 6’5 Greg Robinson has shown off some high level athleticism and has been a crucial two way player for the new-look Titans. Cape Central did an excellent job on those two in the win, holding Hunt to 7 points and Robinson to just 2 on the evening. Without mainstay seniors Tarrell Morris (21 points) and Tavon Graham (double-double) having big games, this one could have really gotten away from the Titans.
Titans are the Biggest Sleeper in Class 4:
There is always a flip-side to the coin. It is very telling that despite the two new standouts having tough nights, Confluence was VERY much in the game against Cape Central and could have easily walked away with the win. They have a nice compliment of talent with ultra quick guards in Tarrell Morris and Devin Phillips who are capable of scoring in bunches. They have a double double machine in 6’5 Sr Tavon Graham, and the addition of tremendous athletes in Lyndell Hunt and Greg Robinson gives the Titans nice depth and balance. They have been developing on-court chemistry and have clearly been getting better every game. They are bought in to a new zone look on the defensive end and have not peaked just yet. If they continue to gel and improve, they can absolutely be a threat to make a deep run in Class 4.
Both Teams Should Have Sikeston’s Attention:
Sikeston has already beaten both of these teams this season, but either should be considered a threat as we near postseason play. Cape Central has only lost 2 games on the year, one of those a 74-67 defeat at the hands of Sikeston. They are playing inspired basketball, and appear to be peaking at the right time. They have good enough guards to handle Sikeston’s pressure and good enough athletes to keep up in a track meet. Sikeston knocked off Confluence by over 40 points very early in the season. As we know, the Titans are now at full strength and playing much better basketball. They are flying under the radar and hungry to prove any doubters wrong. They are also athletic and well coached enough to compete with the Bulldogs.