The June Buchanan Crusaders traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina on December 27th to participate in the Hoodies Classic. Coach Elisha Justice received an early new year’s gift as his club won three won hard-fought games to earn first place honors. Their record now stands at 9-3. Following are recaps of each contest.
Quarter-Finals
JBS-37; Charlotte Christian, NC-33
In a defensive struggle, the Crusaders pulled out the opening win powered by their inside game. Idris Akinyemi led the way with 11 points and 14 rebounds. He was followed closely by Princewill Anosike with 9 points and 13 rebounds. Steven Silvers also added 9 while Elijah Branham and Hunter Hammond chipped in with 5 and 3 points respectively.
The Crusaders shot 31% (12-38) from the field and 66% (10-15) from the charity stripe. They also hauled down 37 rebounds.
Semi-Finals
JBS-63; Butler, NC-59
Steven Silvers connected on 5-6 from downtown and tossed in 25 points while Idris Akinyemi added 14 points and ripped down 18 rebounds to spark the Crusaders. Princewill Anosike joined the double-double parade as he swished in 12 points and yanked down 14 caroms of his own. Elijah Branham and Daniel Snow hit the scoring column with 9 and 3 points apiece.
The Crusaders shot a respectable 51% from the floor as they hit on 22-43 shots including 6-10 from downtown. They added 46 big rebounds.
Championship
JBS-37; Southlake Christian Academy-36
In the third nail biter in as many games, the Crusaders completed the 3 game of sweep of North Carolina teams by clawing their way to victory. Steven Silvers led the way with 17 points while Princewill Anosike and Idris Akinyemi each had 8. Akinyemi and Anosike dominated the class once again with 12 and 11 rebounds. Elijah Branham and Hunter Hammond both added a bucket for 2 points apiece.