Five Themes: C.P.A. runs over Columbia Academy

<p><strong>COLUMBIA, TN --</strong></p> <p>Tuesday evening <strong>Head Coach Drew Maddux</strong> and his C.P.A. Lions (TN) routed hosts Columbia Academy in the Bulldogs' Anderson Fieldhouse, 94-70.  Star senior wing forward <strong>Gary Smith Jr.</strong> (Columbia Academy) missed the game with a "school-related issue" and will be back after his three game absence.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">C.P.A. Starters<br /> </span>Braeden Moore<br /> Evan Shiflet<br /> Drew Cox<br /> Jordan Dewalt<br /> Braden Zapp<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /> <br /> </span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Columbia Academy Starters<br /> </span>Paxton Powell<br /> Will Jackson<br /> Riley Weller<br /> Drew Butt<br /> Tanner Ham</p> <p>Here are five themes that emerged during their game.</p> <h2>Spacing</h2> <p>The Lions of C.PA. always play with exceptional floor spacing and quick, snappy passes.  This game saw the exact same thing.  In fact, their passing might have been more crisp than usual.  There is no dropoff in passing <br /> On the ensuing play, C.P.A. ran a play that was perfectly executed.  It appeared to be a down screen for Smith and he buried a three-pointer from the rival wing.</p> <p><strong>Sam Smith</strong> hit a mid-fourth quarter three pointer which was the culmination of three wonderful passes and a quick shot.  The defense is really asked to work, work, work. </p> <p>The C.P.A. offensive structure and execution is consistently remarkable.</p> <h2>Over Early</h2> <p>The C.P.A. guards (<strong>Braden Zapp</strong>/<strong>Jordan Dewalt</strong>) simply played better and more efficiently then the Bulldog guards in the opening quarter. Each Lion guard utilized the skip pass with an uncanny smoothness. Class of 2021 guard <strong>Evan Shiflet</strong> injected disruptive speed into the game.  His bucket early was one of many in tight.  Dewalt scored inside off the glass just the same.   C.P.A. had significant trouble defending the rim.</p> <p><strong>Braeden Moore</strong> nailed a beautiful corner three in the opening quarter.</p> <p>Offensive rebounds helped extend Lion possessions.</p> <p>In all, C.P.A. scored 30 points in the opening quarter.  They lead after one, 30-18.</p> <p>C.P.A. and Columbia Academy removed their starters and many of their top bench players midway through the fourth quarter. </p> <h2>Repercussions</h2> <p>C.P.A. improves to 16-6, 9-2, just a half game behind now 10-2 Columbia Academy.  Webb-Bell Buckle improves to first place and they are the only defeated team in Division II Class A, Middle Region, District 3 at 9-0.</p> <h2>Next Wave</h2> <p><strong>Kolby Wright</strong> is a promising sophomore shooter for the Lions.</p> <p>With the appearnce of a seasoned veteran Kolby Wright hit an immediate three-pointer int he rhythm of the offense.  He missed, or rather rattled around the inside of the rim and out, another outside shot seconds later.</p> <p>Fellow sophomore <strong>Thomas McWhorter</strong> nailed his first outside shot of the final minutes with similar precision. </p> <h2>Final Word</h2> <p>C.P.A. won 94-70. Both teams are capable of advancing deep into the playoffs.  That C.P.A. won on the road shows mettle.  Depth, system, skill.  It is all there...again.</p> <p><em>For the best statewide analysis follow @PrepHoopsTN.</em></p>