Calvary Christian’s Rising Stars Shine in 3A State Semifinal

Last week Thursday night, in the 3A State Semifinal, Calvary Christian showed its depth in an impressive team performance, with several players stepping up alongside their McDonald's All American nominee [player_tooltip player_id='1301718' first='Shon' last='Abaev']. Their interior defensive intensity, athleticism, and offensive execution were on full display, as key contributors made plays on both ends of the floor. From disruptive defense to high-flying finishes and clutch scoring, these players played a crucial role in securing the win.      Sam displayed his elite athleticism, proving to be a threat above the rim. He was a lob target anywhere near the basket, catching alley-oops with ease and finishing plays with authority. Off the ball, he moved intelligently, cutting into open space and creating scoring opportunities for himself. When attacking off the dribble, he sliced through the defense, using his combination of length and agility to get to the rim. His ability to impact the game without needing the ball in his hands was crucial for Calvary Christian's offense.     The sophomore guard, had a strong all-around performance, showcasing his smooth offensive game. He knocked down pull-up threes and showed real confidence in catch-and-shoot situations, stretching the defense with his perimeter scoring. He also proved to be a tough finisher at the rim, converting an and-one to push the lead to 10 in the third quarter and later hitting a tough reverse layup followed by another and-one in the fourth. His ability to score in different ways, along with his composure under constant pressure, played a big role in Calvary Christian's success.     6'4” Junior, set the tone defensively with his quick hands and active feet, constantly disrupting passing lanes and making plays. His quick first jump allowed him to challenge shots at the rim and grab rebounds before bigger players could react. Offensively, he showed great vision, consistently finding open teammates and keeping the ball moving. His all-around effort made him a key contributor on both ends of the floor.     Freshman guard showed poise beyond his years as a facilitator. Though he didn't look for his own shot, he controlled the pace of the game with his quickness and strong ball-handling. He was particularly effective in pick-and-roll situations, making the right reads and setting up teammates for easy baskets. His unselfish play and ability to keep defensive pressure on opposing guards made him an important piece in the lineup.   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"></figure>      With this impressive run deep in the 3A State Playoff, look out for these young players to take on bigger roles into next season as [player_tooltip player_id='1301718' first='Shon' last='Abaev'] departs to the next level. Kenneth Francis' defensive instincts and vision make him a valuable two-way player, while complimenting Sam Hallas' athleticism and off-ball movement will continue to make a matchup problem for opposing teams. Also, Cayden Daugtry's scoring versatility makes him a rising threat accompanied by Xavier Lebron's playmaking ability will be key to Calvary Christian's success in the coming seasons.

Last week Thursday night, in the 3A State Semifinal, Calvary Christian showed its depth in an impressive team performance, with several players stepping up alongside their McDonald's All American nominee Shon Abaev Shon Abaev 6'8" | CG Calvary Christian | 2025 State #24 Nation FL . Their interior defensive intensity, athleticism, and offensive execution were on full display, as key contributors made plays on both ends of the floor. From disruptive defense to high-flying finishes and clutch scoring, these players played a crucial role in securing the win.