Fairfax Christian 68 VA Academy 66: Five Takeaways
Adam Ayalew
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<p>STERLING, VA -- Fairfax Christian advanced to the MPSC Semifinals with a 68-66 opening-round win over Virginia Academy. Here are five takeaways from this playoff matchup. </p>
<h5>Bolgert makes shots</h5>
<p>[player_tooltip player_id="962798" first="Zach" last="Bolgert"] showed why he is considered a knockdown shooter throughout this contest. He was very effective as a pick and pop threat but also hit one on the move in the corner. Bolgert scored 21 points tonight. </p>
<h5>Crossman impresses</h5>
<p>2023 <strong>Callum Crossman</strong> asserted himself early on in this contest. The big fella dunked it three times in the first quarter and added two ferocious blocks. It felt like every time Crossman caught the ball around the basket, he looked to dunk it.</p>
<h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1107829" first="Tazir" last="Smith"] gets hot</h5>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1107829" first="Tazir" last="Smith"]</strong> manufactured a ton of offense for the Patriots. He hit open shots but was very effective at getting to the basket where he either finished or got to the foul line. </p>
<h5>Blakey sparks a comeback</h5>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1107844" first="Ryan" last="Blakey"]</strong> came out in the second half with high intensity. He pressured the ball and forced a number of turnovers. Blakey was also the assist man on many of those Bolgert triples. It felt like whenever Fairfax Christian needed a big play, he was there to deliver.</p>
<h5>Mickens poised for a breakout?</h5>
<p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/Mickens-Kris-Head-Shot.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1386706" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/Mickens-Kris-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>Coaches recruiting the local 2023 class must-see <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1217452" first="Kris" last="Mickens"]</strong> in person. The athletic wing made shots from mid-range and three tonight. Mickens also had a couple of impressive dunks that helped shift the momentum in his team’s favor. </p>
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