5 Takeaways from Crossroads Christian vs. Neuse Christian

Jay Anderson November 15, 2019 @ 06:30 AM

<p>The Crossroads Christian Colts got their second victory on the young season on Thursday night over the Neuse Christian Lions. Here's a look at the five biggest takeaways.</p> <h5>Crossroads Christian remains undefeated</h5> <p>It was a back and forth battle of zone defenses on Thursday night and in the end, the Crossroads Christian Colts got an 81-70 victory over the Neuse Christian Lions. They overcame a solid effort from a young duo of Lions to get an early lead and never look back. The Colts used an early 10-1 run in the third quarter to get their largest lead of the night at 49-36. Neuse would go on a run of their own down the stretch but the Colts kept their distance to open the season at 2-0.</p> <h5>Zach Murphy keeps the offense going</h5> <p>2020 guard <strong>Zach Murphy</strong> looked good coming off a 21 point, 10-rebound effort against Friendship Christian on Tuesday. Murphy distributed the ball as a playmaker, he knocked down three 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, showing off his ability to score in a variety of ways. He's an underrated guard that should continue to do well and get some looks from local colleges.</p> <h5>Taylor Bell brings the energy on both ends</h5> <p>Another 2020 prospect that stood out in the game was 2020 guard <strong>Taylor Bell</strong>. He's a methodical scorer off the drive that finishes tough in traffic. On defense, he plays passing lanes well and forces pressure to turn steals into easy layups on the fastbreak. Bell finished with 18 points before fouling out of the contest with just over a minute left in the game. He's a scrappy player that brings energy on both ends and can get to the rim with ease when the offense needs points.</p> <h5>Colts make seven 3-pointers in the victory</h5> <p>The Crossroad Christian Cplts made a total of seven 3-pointers as a team against Neuse Christian with Murphy making three and 2021 guard <strong>Asher Fulk</strong> also making three 3-pointers. Fulk was another confident 3-point shooter and scorer in the contest and finished with 24 points in the game. He showed aggression with the ball in his hands and got to the rim well for his squad on the fast break.<br /> <br /> </p> <h5>Neuse Christian has a solid foundation growing</h5> <p>The Lions have a tough group coming along led by freshmen <strong>Jakell Powell</strong> and <strong>Ra'Shaun Robinson</strong> and senior forward <strong>Kurt Taylor</strong>. Powell knocked down some early 3-point shots that kept his squad in the game and finished with 15 points. Robinson was an active force in the glass and on the paint, finishing with 16 points. Taylor took over down the stretch, going to the basket when needed and finished with 26 points. They've got a solid foundation already heading into the 2019-20 season.</p>