Sophomore guard Amir Nesbitt led VA Academy with 14 points, however it wasn't enough as VAA fell to National Christian Academy 58-44. NCA point guard Jimmy Kpadeh scored 14 points to lead NCA.
Takeaways -
VA Academy -
Defensively they're strong. Due to their lack of size, VAA has to be defensive team and take teams out of their comfort zone. They swarm, their physical and they cause turnovers which helps them get out and run which they're deadly at.
Virginia Academy sophomore guard Amir Nesbitt
VAA goes as their three guards take them. Senior guards Shyheim Gilkerson, Kobe Tigney and sophomore guard Amir Nesbitt carry a heavy offensive load, and that load is vital for the success of VAA. All three must score efficiently, makes plays for others and control the pace to put the Patriots in a winning position. Against National Christian, it was a night where all three struggled to score consistently and the team couldn't overcome the deficit.
Duro Segun is a force defensively. He has a high motor, he runs the floor well and is a willing shot blocker. He's extremely raw offensively and it limits VAA opportunities to score a lot in the paint like in their match-up with NCA, however, he makes up for it on teh defensive end, making it difficult for opponents to score in the paint. If he can dominate the boards more and convert offensive rebounds to keep opponents honest and to help open things up for Gilkerson, Tigney and Nesbitt a bit, it can change the dynamics of VAA overall moving forward.
Kobe Tigney is an x-factor. He hasn't played up to the level that he displayed throughout the summer playing AAU, so far this season . He's a versatile guard that can impact the game in a multitude of ways. He was off his game in a loss to NCA and still posted 13 points, imagined if he played up to his standard? Tigney could potentially be an all-met caliber player and VAA will need him to be that more often times than not if they're going to make major noise this season.
National Christian Academy -
Length will be a issue for opponents. NCA has three players 6'7 and above that are highly athletic and aggressive. Forwards Christian Oliver, Oumar Koureisi, and Olsa Ngonadi made life tough for VAA. All three protected the rim well, dominated the boards and displayed great on ball defense when defending VAA guards during switches. Against VAA, they sat in a 2-3 zone and made it hard for VAA to execute their offense consistently. A bit raw, they were able to knock down mid range jumpers and finish well enough in traffic to add balance to their offensive attack.
National Christian Academy junior point guard Jimmy KPadeh
Jimmy KPadeh is one to keep an eye on. Junior point guard is a blur on the court with good ball skills. He kept VAA senior guard Shyheim Gilkerson on his heels all game who is one of the areas top defensive guards. Consistent mid range jumper and tough. Can also feed teammates at a respectable rate. Needs to improve his range out to three point territory which will open things up for him even more.