Saturday at National Trail was a little extra special this week. Coming into the game Kellen Laird was 18 points away from scoring his 1000th point of his career. Cincinnati Christian came to NT for a good non-conference test of the Blazers defense. Cincinnati had some length, athleticism and was boasting a roster of 4 players shooting 38 percent or higher from 3-point land.
The Blazers came out ready to play and won the first quarter 16-11. NT picked up right where they left off at the quarter and ended to half up 32-22 at the half. The defensive effort again led by Talon Bousman holding Cincinnati Christians leading scorer to just 3 points in the half. Laird had scored 11 of his 18 in the first half. We decided at halftime we wanted to run a couple plays for Kellen to get him going in the second half so we ran a set to start the 3rd quarter and Tayden hit him on a back cut for a layup to start the 3rd quarter. With about 4:30 left in the 3rd quarter NT pulled down a rebound and went into transition offense. Laird kicked it up to Coltin Lipps. Lipps attacked the baseline to draw the defense kicked it back to Laird on the right wing. Tayden set a screen for Kellen and the defender went under the screen. Kellen made a perfect read when the defender went under and he came off the screen, rose up, and drilled a 3 for exactly 1000 points. A short break in the game for him to celebrate with his teammates but then also his family members who were all in attendance and handing the game ball to his dad was a highlight. After that moment the Blazers were even more confident and cruised to a 54-39 victory.
Talon Bousman, Mason Cordle, Josh Brubaker, Jonah Brinkley and Coltin Lipps led a strong defensive effort in which the Blazer only gave up 39 points which is under their season average. Tayden and Kellen led the offensive charge with 23 points and 18 points respectively. Kellen dished out 8 assists, Josh pulled down 5 rebounds and Jonah pulled down 4 rebounds.
An overall great team win, great team defense, on a special night for the Blazers.
The Blazers are back in action this Friday at Tri-Village.
