Head-to-Head: CBHS-KnoxCath

Editor's Note: This focuses almost exclusively on the first half.

Scan these microscopic views of the enormous game.  Player versus player. Man versus man.

Brian Edwards vs.  Zion Owens Zion Owens 5'10" | PG Christian Brothers | 2022 State TN

In the first half, Zion Owens Zion Owens 5'10" | PG Christian Brothers | 2022 State TN was the most common defender on BJ Edwards.  Interestingly, Christian Brothers Head Coach Bubba Luckett elected to place Michael Pepper Michael Pepper 6'3" | SG Christian Brothers | 2023 State TN and then Ashton Strothers on Blue Cain Blue Cain 6'4" | SG IMG Academy | 2023 State #102 Nation FL .  Through one quarter, BJ Edwards shot 1-6 from the field and you would have to give credit to Zion for sticking his body close to the superstar scorer.

Third Quarter: Zion kept his feet in-between BJ and the basket superbly. Edwards succeeded so much more in the open floor.  Once the game got into halfcourt Christian Brothers kind of played him man-and-a-half.  And well. Edwards hit a three-pointer on the fly, again showing he is deadly in the open floor or on quick triggers.

BJ Edwards vs.  Chandler Jackson Chandler Jackson 6'5" | CG Christian Brothers | 2022 State #87 Nation TN

Midway through the first quarter, Chandler gave Edwards some space around the arc, allowing the cushion.  Edwards’ first step is very good and Chandler is heavier than him.  Perhaps, Jackson decided to let Edwards shoot three’s off the dribble instead of getting into the lane, where he slaughters teams via free throw success.

BJ Edwards vs.  Michael Pepper Michael Pepper 6'3" | SG Christian Brothers | 2023 State TN

Pepper did a solid job bodying Edwards in the second quarter.  Edwards missed his two challenged layup attempts against the defensive specialist.  Pepper earned his second foul with 2:05 left in the first half, and BJ certainly earned his way to the free throw line on that drive.  He found two free throws and it really inspired a fist pump from him, perhaps trying to get some rhythm with the shooting.

Blue Cain Blue Cain 6'4" | SG IMG Academy | 2023 State #102 Nation FL vs. Ashton Strother

Blue Cain Blue Cain 6'4" | SG IMG Academy | 2023 State #102 Nation FL scored with a short jumper over Ausley on his first post touch.  He then tried a deep three-oointer, which Ausley allowed.  Blue missed it, but the shot was not a bad idea. During the first quarter, NA spent about three minutes on Blue and limited him to 1-2 FG, 2 points.  Blue Cain Blue Cain 6'4" | SG IMG Academy | 2023 State #102 Nation FL attacked Strother for the final possession of the first half.  Blue hit a difficult pull-up three-pointer off the Yesan Warren Yesan Warren 6'1" | SG Knoxville Catholic | 2023 State TN screen.  The play was simple, the shot was tough, the timeliness was exceptional.  The make pulled the trailing Knoxville Catholic Saints within four points.

Ashton Strother vs. Brian Edwards

Ashton bullied BJ Edwards in the lane.  He found eight points in the first 10 minutes, most of the time with Edwards defending him.

Hunter Pratt Hunter Pratt 6'6" | PF Christian Brothers | 2022 State TN vs. Alex Doerger 

Hunter drew a quick foul on sophomore Alex Doerger.  The second time Pratt tried the youngin’ he found the palm of AD on his layup attempt.  Nice block, kid.

3 for Hunter on first try.
Thank you, Hunter. That is gonna be a really advantageous strategy. https://t.co/b3GhzgWA8P

— Prep Hoops Tennessee (@PrepHoopsTN) March 5, 2022

Chandler Jackson Chandler Jackson 6'5" | CG Christian Brothers | 2022 State #87 Nation TN vs. Blue Cain Blue Cain 6'4" | SG IMG Academy | 2023 State #102 Nation FL

Chandler tried to post up Blue midway through the second quarter. The post feed was poor and it resulted in a turnover.  Jackson found some success taking into the chest of Blue, though a defensive blocking call on Blue with 3:31 left in the first half looked absurd as Jackson shrugged him away with a half-extended forearm.  Think Jordan vs. Utah Jazz.  Jackson made the two ensuing free throws.