Crossroads sweeps doubleheader to earn MCC Championship
Feb. 13—HENDERSON — Following a successful regular season in which both varsity programs at Crossroads Christian earned conference titles, the Colts continued their dominance on Friday, sweeping the Mid-Carolina Conference Tournament finals.
For the third time this season, Crossroads defeated Cape Fear Christian Academy, downing the Eagles 66-32 in game one of the doubleheader.
Sophomore guard Elyssa Phillips continued her dominant sophomore campaign, scoring a game-high 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting. Phillips was a perfect three-for-three from two point range and connected on six attempts from beyond the arc.
Senior Isreal Thorpe recorded her eighth consecutive game in double figures, pouring in 17 points. Thorpe stuffed the stat sheet in the victory, tallying eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and three steals.
Her eight rebounds paced the Colts' roster and assisted them in their 23rd win of the season.
Leanna Wimsatt rounded out the double digit scorers in Henderson, amassing 11 points to go along with two steals.
Crossroads was able to record their seventh straight game with 60 or more points thanks in part to their dynamic defense. The Colts, who are known to implement a full-court press and trap their opponents, forced 13 turnovers by Cape Fear and were whistled for just three fouls in the contest.
Head coach Cammy Simmons became the winningest coach in program history with 23, leading the roster to their highest single-season win total, passing the previous record of nine games.
Simmons was named the conference's coach of the year, capping off a record-setting campaign in Henderson.
In the nightcap, Crossroads, led by head coach Scottie Richardson, improved to 15-0 on their home floor this season, downing Cape Fear Christian 93-52.
The first half was dominated by the Colts, scoring 30 points in the first quarter and 29 in the second to claim a 59-24 advantage at the break.
Friday night's win marked their third over the Eagles this season and earned them their 25th victory on the year.
Including postseason play, Richardson's squad finished 8-0 in league play, continuing their dominance in the MCC.
To go along with their win, four Colts were named to the All-Conference team, including junior J.J. Henderson Jr., who was named the Mid-Carolina Conference Player of the Year.
Joining Henderson was senior guard Shane Anthony, senior forward D'Markus Tucker, and junior forward Ben Gladieux.
Henderson was also named the MCC Tournament's Most Valuable Player, while Anthony, junior guards Noah Towles and Brodrick Jenkins were named to the All-Tournament team.
Coach Scottie Richardson was also named the MCC Coach of the Year after leading the Colts to a .818 winning percentage.
Crossroads will enter the NCISAA State Playoffs as winners of 12 of their last 13 games.
