By Dana Harding
Point Lookout, Mo. — In a doubleheader split Tuesday evening in the Mark Twain Conference, the New Covenant Academy girls raced out to a 44-33 victory over School of the Ozarks. In the nightcap, the S of O boys turned the tables, notching a 63-49 win.
CLICK HERE FOR NEW COVENANT VS. SCHOOL OF THE OZARKS GIRLS PHOTOS
CLICK HERE FOR NEW COVENANT VS. SCHOOL OF THE OZARKS BOYS PHOTOS
Girls Matchup
Given the opportunity, New Covenant Academy and head coach David Anderlik might have deployed a full-court press during pre-game warmups Tuesday night.
The Lady Warriors utilized all 94 feet of Keeter Gymnasium to their advantage en route to a 44-33 victory over School of the Ozarks.
The New Covenant press made each trip up the court for S of O a grind. While the Lady Patriots were able to capitalize on some easy baskets when things broke down, the fast pace limited opportunities and disrupted their offensive rhythm.
“I thought the press was the best aspect of our game tonight,” Anderlik said. “We were able to force them into some turnovers and, when we did break down, we had some great help defense on the back side. If you give up two or three baskets in the press like we did tonight, and you get turnovers on the other side, I think you’re doing a good job.”
New Covenant floor general Maggie Phipps was the team’s key disruptor and offensive facilitator on the evening.
The sophomore guard helped the Lady Warriors create havoc in the press, and then consistently found open shooters at the other end of the court.
Like most unassuming playmakers, Phipps was quick to praise her teammates and the healthy atmosphere throughout the roster.
“I know everybody says this, but we truly are a family,” Phipps said. “Every girl on the team knows what their part is, and we all just work together so perfectly. It’s great.”
A 10-2 run to open up the game helped New Covenant establish an early lead, keyed by Phipps and Claire Cannefax.
During the second quarter, S of O was able to cut into the lead thanks to Ariel Fowler’s hot hand. Fowler scored 9 of her game-high 20 points in the quarter to bring the Lady Patriots back within striking distance at 21-17; however, New Covenant’s inside game kept the rally at bay.
Time and time again, New Covenant got the ball inside to the elbows, where Emerson Russell displayed a soft turnaround jumper. The senior forward finished with 10 points, matching the totals for both Phipps and Cannefax.
Anderlik praised Phipps for her high-energy play and nonstop hustle.
“[Maggie] is our energy leader on the floor,” Anderlik said. “She constantly brings energy non-stop. She’s just on every ball, she’s on the floor and the girls feed off that.”
Up next for New Covenant Academy (12-7) is a road trip to Niangua on Thursday, Feb. 2. School of the Ozarks (6-11) travels to Seymour on Friday, Feb. 3.
Girls Varsity final: New Covenant Academy – 44, School of the Ozarks – 33
NCA 10 11 12 11 — 44
S of O 02 15 08 08 — 33
NCA scoring: Maggie Phipps – 10, Emerson Russell, 10, Clair Cannefax – 10, Hope Hefley – 8, Karsen Wilkins – 3, Jacey Lamb – 2, Alicia Batten – 1
S of O scoring: Ariel Fowler – 20, Emma Mackey – 4, Evie Carswell – 3, Jendaya Lilly – 2, Sierra Saffle – 2, Nicole Voerman – 2
Boys Matchup
It’s good to be home.
For only the fourth time this season, School of the Ozarks has been able to host a game at Keeter Gymnasium.
The Patriots made the most of the opportunity, downing New Covenant Academy 63-49.
S of O nursed a small lead throughout most of the first half and took a 31-26 margin into the break. While New Covenant deployed full-court pressure from the opening tip, the Patriots were able to utilize spacing, ball-handling and quick passing to work their way through the traffic.
In the third quarter, S of O jumped out quickly, stretching its lead to 42-26 after an 11-0 run.
New Covenant rallied in the fourth quarter, cutting the S of O lead to 54-45 with 2:43 to play; however, the Warriors were unable to trim the score any further.
S of O head coach Jerry Martin praised his team for its ability to consistently break the New Covenant press and play at an up-tempo pace on the collegiate-sized court.
“I really feel like we have good enough ball-handlers to do that,” Martin said. “When we get a little bit of space out here, I think it gives us an advantage, because we can move the basketball and not get stuck.”
S of O’s Billy Evans proved to be the difference-maker in the game, as both scorer and facilitator. When the Patriots wanted to play fast, Evans pushed the tempo. When it was time to slow down into a half-court set, Evans helped work the ball around for open shots.
While Evans dealt with a nagging illness during the game, playing at home for only the fourth time this season seemed to help elevate both his spirits and his game.
“The bus is not fun,” Evans said. ”Not being at home – it’s weird – you always feel like you’re in a hostile environment with all the fans yelling. Playing at home is one of the best feelings a player can have, because the court’s familiar, the goals are familiar, the fans love coming and it just makes everything flow better and makes us click as a team.”
Zach Martin finished with a game-high 17 points for S of O. On a balanced scoring night for the Patriots, he was joined in double figures by Jed Black’s 15, Evans’ 14 and Nate Brown’s 10 points.
Cameron Altena led New Covenant with 16 points, Tim Smith chipped in 15 and Keaton Gamble added 10 in the loss.
Up next for S of O (12-5) is a home game against Lighthouse Christian Academy on Thursday, Feb. 2. New Covenant (6-9) travels to Niangua that same evening.
Boys Varsity final: School of the Ozarks – 63, New Covenant Academy – 49
S of O 14 17 17 15 — 63
NCA 12 14 07 16 — 49
S of O scoring: Zach Martin – 17, Jed Black – 15, Billy Evans – 14, Nate Brown – 10, Jackson Williams – 5, Abe Martin – 2
NCA scoring: Cameron Altena – 16, Tim Smith – 15, Keaton Gamble – 10, Duke Carlton – 3, Kole Stutzman – 2, Taylor Dawley – 2, Trevor Batten – 1
JV boys final: NCA – 63, S of O – 49
(Sam Coryell – 21 points)
