Marshall Academy splits with Northpoint Christian in basketball action

Patriots pull away from Trojans in decisive fashion

SOUTHAVEN  – In a contest that saw momentum swing early, the Marshall Academy Patriots pulled away in the second half to secure a convincing 63-49 victory over the Northpoint Christian Trojans.

The matchup began as a defensive battle, with Marshall Academy holding a slim 16-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. While Northpoint Christian kept the game within reach during the first half—trailing by only four points at the 4:26 mark of the second quarter—the Patriots began to find their rhythm late in the period.

By halftime, Marshall Academy held a 33-25 advantage, a lead they would never surrender.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Despite multiple timeouts called by Northpoint to stop the bleeding, Marshall Academy’s offense exploded. A late surge extended the Patriots’ lead to 48-33 by the 1:40 mark of the third, ending the quarter with a 17-point cushion.

In the final frame, Northpoint Christian struggled to bridge the gap. While Aidan Becksfort fought hard at the charity stripe, Marshall Academy’s disciplined play kept the lead safely in double digits, coasting to a 63-49 final score.

Top Performers

Marshall Academy Patriots

The Patriots’ offense was a balanced attack led by Carlos Young, who set the tone early with 12 of his game-high 18 points in the first half.

• Carlos Young: 18 points
• Makhi Findley: 15 points (9 in the first half)
• Kaleb Luse: 11 points

Northpoint Christian Trojans

The Trojans were led by a gritty performance from Aidan Becksfort, though the team struggled to find secondary scoring in the second half.

• Aidan Becksfort: 15 points (6-of-8 FT)
• Joel Brown: 11 points (9 in the first half)

Photos courtesy Mary Scott, Oak River Media

Second-half surge, defensive adjustments lead to Lady Trojan victory over Marshall Academy 

After a slow start, Northpoint Christian girls found their rhythm in a dominant second-half performance, fueled by tactical defensive changes and standout individual efforts.

Tactical Tweaks Turn the Tide

Northpoint coach Barry Gray highlighted the team’s ability to adapt at halftime. The primary shift involved moving the team’s signature press back 15 feet, a move designed to force the opposition into making tougher decisions later in their offensive sets.

“I thought our second half was really good,” Gray said. “The girls really responded to the changes at halftime. We moved the press back… and I thought that hurt [the opponent] a little bit.”

The adjustment wasn’t just defensive. Gray noted a significant uptick in offensive flow, specifically pointing to an increase in assists. The team focused on driving the front side and “bouncing through the backside,” a strategy that opened up the floor and led to higher-quality shot opportunities.

Standout Performances: Herrera and England

Several players drew high praise for their contributions to the win:

• Nailah Herrera finished the day with 17 points and was lauded for her leadership on both ends of the floor.
• Londyn Griffin: Recognized as a defensive anchor, Gray noted her exceptional rebounding and energy.
• Robbye England: The young player turned heads with an 11-point performance. Coach Gray noted this was her “breakout” game at the varsity level. “It’s the first game she looked comfortable in the five [position],” he remarked. “It was encouraging to see a young player get comfortable.”

Looking Ahead: Hoops for a Cause

The team now shifts its focus to a special event: the Alumni Game on Dec. 29 at 5 p.m.

The game will serve as a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. With approximately 30 former players returning—some as old as 28—the event aims to bridge the gap between the program’s past and present while supporting a vital cause.

“We’re very excited about having a purpose and helping raise some money,” Gray said.