Concord Christian Academy had the ball in the basket within the first 20 seconds of play Monday night. They had six more points before Pittsburg-Canaan (8-11) matched that feat with just over four minutes to play. Things didn’t change much for the remaining 28 minutes as the Kingsmen (18-1) trounced the No. 15 Yellow Jackets, 67-31. The win advanced No. 2. Concord Christian into the quarterfinals of the NHIAA Division IV boys’ basketball tournament.
From the start, it was apparent that Concord Christian’s size would be the deciding factor. The Kingsmen used their superior height to full advantage and owned the paint all night. Many of their baskets came off second chances and their defense slammed the gate closed on any Pittsburg drives toward the basket. The small Pittsburg team had little chance in a game that became physical in a hurry.
The standouts for Concord Christian won’t surprise anyone who’s followed the team this season. Brode Frink did most of his damage in the first half with 10 of his 13 points coming in the opening two frames. And Isaac Jarvis, who towers over teammates and opponents alike, was monstrous in the paint with a team-high 14 points and lock-down defense close to the rim.
Defense was where Concord Christine shined early on. In the first half, the Kingsmen defense allowed just 12 points.
“I thought we did pretty well defensively to start and then our offense finally started to click a little bit in the second half and we kind of were able to open things up a little bit,” said Concord Christian head coach Eric Heizer.
That offensive click was a 27 point explosion of scoring in the third quarter as the Kingsmen made sure to have this one decided before the final eight minutes even began. Jarvis and Colby Carlile led the way with six each in the third.
Concord Christian was outscored in the fourth by a Pittsburg team that refused to quit. But the 13-6 quarter didn’t change much for either team and Concord could start thinking about their next opponent before the final buzzer sounded.
“Lin-Wood, we don’t know anything about them other than they have a couple of really good players.” said Heizer. “So at this point, we’re gonna be playing good teams. We have to be ready.”
As any coach will tell you, there’s always room for improvement. Heizer is no different and had some notes for how his team can get ready for their round two matchup.
“I think our defense can still improve and I think rebounding we have to get better with that. And our offensive execution,” said Heizer.
Concord Christian will next host the No. 10 Lin-Wood (11-8) on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Lumberjacks trailed by 10 points at halftime and six entering the fourth quarter, but came back to upset No. 7 Derryfield, 82-69.