Scott Keyes
Sports Scene
Who says a little charity doesn’t hurt every once in awhile?
Southfield Christian shot 35 of 44 from the charity stripe as it defeated Lansing Christian 75-68 in a Class D semifinal game played at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University.
Southfield Christian went on to repeat as Class D champion after defeating Tri-Unity Christian in the championship game.
The game against Lansing Christian was tight throughout and came down to the final few minutes, when Southfield Christian started to pull away by taking advantage of every free-throw opportunity it was given.
“We appreciate having been able to play on this big stage,” Lansing Christian coach Steve Ernst said. “I’ve got a tremendous group of seniors who helped transform a program in a short period of time.”
Lansing Christian shot 53.3 percent from the floor in the first quarter, but it couldn’t convert those shots in the second quarter, when it shot 31 percent.
Southfield Christian struggled from the floor in the second half, shooting 5 of 23, but the free throws made all of the difference in the close game.
“It was a very physical game,” South Christian sophomore Bakari Evelyn said. “It’s just basketball. It’s tough. Teams are competing, players competing. It was just fun, really.”
Lansing Christian senior Jay Noyola agreed. “When you get two teams that are fearless, chasing every loose ball, fouls will be called,” Noyola said. “You have to give those guys a lot of credit; they hit their free throws down the stretch, and that was crucial in the outcome of the game.”
Evelyn had 22 points and teammate Demarco White added 19 points, 12 rebounds, and seven blocks for Southfield Christian. Lindsey Hunter IV scored 21 points.
Senior Skylar Ross had 23 points and Jay Noyola added 14 points and 10 rebounds for Lansing Christian, which finished the year at 22-4.
Southfield Christian, which has won 19 games in a row, held a 40-35 lead at halftime, but Lansing Christian opened up the third quarter with a 10-4 run to make the game close. However, late free throws secured the win for the defending state champion.