Class 3 Sectional Standouts: O’Fallon Christian vs Lutheran North

<p>Prep Hoops was on hand Wednesday evening for a Class 3 Sectional match-up between the O’Fallon Christian Eagles and the Lutheran North Crusaders. Both teams came in with similar strengths, being a bit undersized but with an aggressive offensive attack full of talented back-court players. This was a tight game throughout, with the Eagles maintaining just a one point lead at the end of each of the first three quarters and holding on late for a 55-51 victory to advance to the Quarterfinals for a date with Cardinal Ritter Saturday afternoon.</p> <p>Here’s a look at the standout prospects from this tight battle:</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Most Outstanding Player</strong></span>: <em><strong>5’11 Jr [player_tooltip player_id="824189" first="Roddy" last="Alexander"] | Christian</strong></em></p> <p>Roddy was absolutely sensational and essentially put the team on his back with a game-high 29 points. He got things started early with a three-pointer and then settled into a rhythm where his two-dribble pull-up from the elbow was automatic. As the game progressed, he became more aggressive off the bounce attacking the rim where he was able to consistently finish with craft through contact. Watch the style of play that Mason Jones brings to the Arkansas Razorbacks, and you will see similar play from Roddy at this level. Very strong performance.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Christian Supporting Cast</strong></span>: <em><strong>6’2 Jr Kalin Black &amp; 5’6 Jr Ray Horry </strong></em></p> <p>Kalin mixed it up with a strong inside-out game for the Eagles. His physical frame and athletic ability allow him to comfortably play multiple positions. He knocked down a pair of corner threes and was strong with his rip and go finishes on the baseline. He finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds. Ray pitched in 8 points of his own including a deep wing three and another triple that just beat the horn at the end of a quarter. He also came up big on the defensive end with a pair of key steals.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Super-Senior</strong></span>: <em><strong>6’1 Sr [player_tooltip player_id="580420" first="Tahj" last="Patterson"] | Lutheran North</strong></em></p> <p>Tahj did everything he could to will his team to a win, but ultimately fell just short. Despite the loss, he had a terrific individual performance. He is a strong ball-handler that can create his own scoring opportunities and more often than not cash in. He got things going early with a transition pull-up three and added another big one late in the game as things tightened up. Aside from that he was consistently in attack mode in transition, beating his man off the bounce and making plays in the lane.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>LN Supporting Cast</strong></span>: <em><strong>5’10 Sr Jordan Smith | 6’3 Jr Isaiah Williams </strong></em></p> <p>Jordan was next in line as a key threat for the Crusaders. He distributed well, including a nice dime where he was in the air for a shot then zipped a pass to an open cutter for an easy lay-up. He knocked down a much needed three and also added a pull-up jumper and a leak out score in transition. Isaiah provided a big spark off the bench where he came in and immediately drilled a corner three, left his defender in the dust with a tough transition crossover and score, and took his man baseline off the bounce for a bunny.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>