SOUTHSIDE – Keith Stroud has coached a lot of women under the University Christian umbrella. With over 30 years of experience, even he thought that the 2018-2019 edition of the University Christian girls basketball team was young and in need of about one more year of experience before making some real noise in the playoffs. Yet after their convincing 55-18 victory over the Oak Hall Eagles in the regional quarterfinals, he is convinced that they are ready to step up for the challenge.
@DuvalSports @UCChristians Coach Keith Stroud of University Christian talks to Duval Sports about his game preparation for Oak Hall, his underclassmen leading the way and what's in store for a Regional Finals showdown against PK Younge pic.twitter.com/WPGk6HsRln
— Tashyra Feazell (@tfeazell1421) February 15, 2019
The Christians took the tip and did not look back. After two quick passes, UC’s Tai Baldwin was able to score the bucket and Oak Hall never gained a lead from that point. The Christians came out strong in their defensive stance that led to quick turnovers by the young Eagle backcourt. Non-contested layups by the Christians allowed for them to go on a 14-2 run ending the first quarter.
@DuvalSports University Christian is starting to pull away 18-6 over Oak Hall with less than 2 minutes left in the 1st quarter pic.twitter.com/DuW2zlIhrp
— Tashyra Feazell (@tfeazell1421) February 15, 2019
At the start of the second quarter, Oak Hall had a strategy to pack the defense in the middle to stop the dominance of Nigeria Harkless in the post. The sophomore sensation averages 10.5 points per game and 10 rebounds and she was a main reason University Christian dominated early on. Oak Hall’s strategy proved to be effective for the first couple of minutes, allowing Tyla Young to rattle off two quick layups and earn a trip to the foul line for the Eagles.
@DuvalSports N. Harkless #21 leading all scorers with 14 halfway through the 2nd Quarter. The Christians still up over the Eagles 30-12
— Tashyra Feazell (@tfeazell1421) February 15, 2019
However, the effect of slowing down the ball and doubling down on the post started to wear off as sophomore Rhiana Youmans started to heat up for the Christians. After a couple quick steals that led to open court fast breaks the lead began to expand too big for the Eagles to surmount. Oak Hall continued to fight back and never gave up despite the lead continuing to grow.
@DuvalSports with less than 4 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, the Christians are up over the Eagles 44-14 pic.twitter.com/gDpdZF4VpZ
— Tashyra Feazell (@tfeazell1421) February 15, 2019
Both teams boast young squads, as both teams were led by underclassmen. The Christians underclassmen’s quickness and athleticism proved too much for the Eagles and allowed for them to finish the game having allowed almost all of their team an opportunity to play playoff basketball.
Freshman Tyla Young was the lead scorer for the Eagles with 10 points while Rhiana Youmans led all scorers and U.C. with 21 points.
The regional finals will be on the line Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. back at University Christian, where they will take on a familiar foe in P.K. Yonge.
