Patriots business-like versus Rattlers

By David Dickens
Updated: January 27, 2022

2021-22 EAST COUNTY PREP BASKETBALL

By Dave Dickens

EastCountySports.com

EL CAJON (1-22-2022) — In games similar to this one, the score is one-sided, such as the case versus visiting Canyon Hills. Once you have reached a certain point in which you have solidified to the point of the score is going to stand, it is time to allow younger starters and players from the bench to get their time in. Some teams, not the Christian High Lady Patriots realize that it is vital to the continued success and to see what type of depth the team has.

Christian came out confident and fired up over this league game.

As the Patriots came out in the first quarter of play, it was a solid quarter of play with great defense and sharp offense as their shot selections were falling for the most part. And after one half of basketball, the Lady Patriots already had a double-digit lead at the half, 36-13.

The Lady Patriots didn’t miss a step and would soon switch it up, adding in Noelle Sanchez, Lottie Mae Glenn, and of course leaving a few starters rotating to assist the bench out on the floor.

Christian (5-13, 1-2 Western League) ended up with the victory over the league opponent, 68-28, as the second half ended up 32-15 combined in the third and fourth quarters.

Leading scorer Koko Akridge led the team with 18 points, two three-pointers, 2-of-2 free throws, four rebounds, and eight steals.

“Our varsity came out on top in our league game versus Canyon Hills. A really good game of teamwork and chemistry. I absolutely loved the energy our girls had. Everyone scored in this game that played and it was really exciting,” said Christian High head coach Vickie Carrington.

“I asked God before the game to just give me the ability to play for him and nothing else, and he blessed me with a great game,” said Akridge.

“It was a great game and we all came together really well and the chemistry was there. We definitely had control of the whole game and it was so much fun just supporting each other and having fun. That is a big theme we are trying to remember is to have fun playing the sport we love and to play to God’s glory always,” said Tiffany Bickford, of the Patriots.

“I was incredibly proud of our team’s energy on Friday, it was through the roof on and off the court. Our main focus coming into this game was to focus on our mistakes before our teammates and their success should be put before yours. That is exactly what we did. That is why everyone on the team put points on the board and made an impact. I am beyond proud of this team and hope that God stays with us as we get closer to the playoffs and move together as a team, said Hailey Whitman, of the Patriots.

“I think Friday’s game was a breakthrough for our team as we all worked together and had great team energy. I think another key factor is we are all aware of how God is working in our team and how we need to be selfless and encouraging, building each other up instead of breaking each other down. I think we all did great practicing that in the game. I also look forward to keeping practicing on getting better and growing individually and as a team,” said Sanchez.

“It felt amazing to have my team support after I scored, they are always pushing me to get better and challenge me so I can grow skill-wise. They always assist me with my energy on the court even when I feel I am not doing the best. I think this was one of my better games. It was an amazing game and team win,” said Glenn.

Definitely, a game where the bench also was able to shine and show off its great depth.