Lady Trojans win at Harding, Lions dominate Northpoint boys

Photo: Nuri Muhammad (11) of Harding Academy tries to outlet a pass as Northpoint Christian’s Londyn Griffin (22) and Nailah Herrera (20) defend in Friday’s Northpoint victory, (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

Three key points of interest

• 1. Northpoint girls secure key conference win and postseason positioning. The Lady Trojans earned a gritty 45–39 road victory at Harding Academy, locking in a top‑three seed while showcasing strong defense and composure with only 10 turnovers.
• 2. Standout individual performances on both sides. Northpoint was led by Londyn Griffin’s 15 points, plus a 10‑point, 8‑assist night from Nailah Herrera. Harding’s Bella Rose Austin delivered a game‑high 25 points in the girls’ matchup, while Aidan Becksfort scored 25 of Northpoint’s 40 points in the boys’ loss.
• 3. Harding boys overwhelm Northpoint with dominant offensive display. Harding Academy’s boys rolled to an 83–40 win behind Ray Ivy’s 24 points and Jevin Crochell’s 20, using early momentum, pressure defense, and explosive scoring to trigger a running clock in the fourth quarter.

Northpoint Christian girls grind out road win at Harding Academy 45-39

Londyn Griffin scored 15 points to lead the Northpoint Christian Lady Trojans to a hard-fought 45-39 victory over Harding Academy on Friday night. In a physical conference matchup defined by defensive grit, Northpoint secured a top-three seed and now controls its own destiny for the postseason.

Northpoint established a 22-17 lead by halftime, despite losing a basket at the buzzer due to a timing error. The Lady Trojans extended their lead to double digits in the second half, relying on a stifling half-court defense and senior leadership to withstand a late Harding rally.

The Lions were led by Bella Rose Austin, who turned in a game-high 25 points, including a late three-pointer that pulled Harding within six in the final minutes. However, Northpoint’s composure—committing only 10 turnovers against Harding’s press—sealed the win. Nailah Herrera contributed 10 points and eight assists, while Robbye England added nine.

Post-game, Northpoint coach Barry Gray praised his team’s self-sacrifice and spiritual growth.

“I think they’ve tied in letting their faith lead into who they are on the court,” Gray said. “When you keep your priorities right and praise the Lord through adversity, sometimes the Lord is smiling. I was proud of their attitude.”

Harding Academy dominates Northpoint boys in blowout victory 83-40

Ray Ivy scored 24 points to lead Harding Academy to a commanding 83-40 victory over Northpoint Christian on Friday night. The Lions showcased a potent offensive attack, bolstered by long-range shooting and multiple slam dunks that effectively put the game out of reach in the second half.

Harding established dominance early, ending the first quarter with a 25-9 lead. While the Trojans briefly cut the deficit to 12 points in the second period, the Lions responded with a scoring surge to lead 41-21 at halftime.

The momentum accelerated in the third quarter as Jevin Crochell, who finished with 20 points, helped extend the lead to 31. By the middle of the fourth quarter, the lead surpassed 35 points, triggering a running clock per league mercy rules.

Despite the loss, Aidan Becksfort delivered another standout performance, scoring 25 of the Trojans’ 40 points. This follows a massive outing Thursday night where Becksfort scored 47 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a victory over Westminster Academy. Matthew McDaniel finished with six points for Northpoint in Friday’s effort.

Harding’s balanced attack and defensive pressure proved too much for the Trojans as the Lions secured the double-digit win.