NCA’s Bigs Lead the Way Against Riverdale Baptist

Ron Bailey, Publisher

February 26, 2006 – The scene Saturday night was memorable; Not only was it National Christian Academy’s Senior Day, but as usual the talented NCA Eagles were playing another dangerous foe – this time Riverdale Baptist. Many fans were in attendance, including NCA graduate and current Georgetown University freshman, Jessie Sapp, as well as current St. Francis (PA) frosh and Riverdale Baptist graduate, Devin Sweetney. The impressive snack courtside stand offering delicious chicken wings and a plethora of snacks rounded out the great atmosphere.

Trevor Brown, NCA’s experienced and talented coach relied on his front court in a 68-47 defeat of the Riverdale Baptist Crusaders. Center Anthony “Biggie” McClain had his second triple double, in a week, logging 11 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 blocks. Wilbur O’Neal led the game in scoring with 22 points, while pulling down 8 caroms. Small forward Antonio Haymon had 14 to round out their starting frontcourt’s scoring.

Center Troy Clegg supplied 17 points for the predominately young and inexperienced Crusaders. Point guard Chris McFarland, who next year will join Sweetney at St. Francis had 8 points and played well, in a tough Riverdale Baptist outing.

NCA slowly yet surely increased the margin of their lead throughout the game. The Eagles were determined to use their frontcourt advantage, constantly feeding their frontcourt, which scored, or were fouled. Nonetheless, the Crusaders were in striking distance, until the fourth quarter.

NCA went on a 21-11 run during that period, which effectively put the contest out of reach. Riverdale Baptist’s coach, Louis Wilson, stated that the Eagles “They did a great job of applying pressure to us, and I think we turned it over three straight possessions during that stretch”. Additionally, he felt that NCA took advantage of their extra scoring opportunities by “either scoring a layup, or getting fouled”.

Wilson also lauded NCA’s ability to “make their free throws tonight”. In his opinion, the game “was basically won on the free throw line”, as “They were making theirs, and we were missing our free throws”. He also would credit the Eagles frontcourt, who he felt “hit the boards really hard today, and did a good job of rebounding the ball”.

NCA’s Brown conceded that “We tried to use our size to our advantage", as they typically do. He was very complimentary of O’Neal: “With Wilbur, coming out of the locker room a referee just made a comment to Wilbur about how much he’s improved since his first year here (O’Neal is now a sophomore). With him he’s a kid that works hard all the time. He doesn’t do a lot of talking. He’s coachable. What he did tonight is what he has been doing all year long; plays hard, hits the boards, and finishes around the basket”.

O’Neal, for one, is pleased with this development. “I feel like I’m growing as a player. The coaches keep working with me; they keep pushing me to a higher level”.

As the season winds down, both teams continue to improve. Riverdale is preparing to once again play in a national level end-of-season tournament that is chock full of Division I talent. That experience, as well as playing the NCA - which is large and talented also - is beneficial to the team in Wilson’s opinion. “It just gives us another stepping stone to where they need to go with their bodies…all of this is going to help us get better in the long run” he said. The Crusaders are currently 20-12.

NCA on the other hand is winding down their season, and with one more game to play, is 15-13. As is always the case, the team Brown started with has improved dramatically, and contains no seniors (those who received recognition at halftime were cheerleaders and other students). That is a scary thought for D.C./Baltimore high school basketball next year.

At this point, i95Ballerz.com would like to take the time to issue a hats-off recognition to both of these programs. They are perennial powerhouses, who serve their students academically as well as athletically. Observes can expect both to be extremely formidable opponents, next season.

Anthony McClain

Crusaders Making Adjustmets

O'Neal at the Line, with McClain in the Background

NCA Cheerleaders at Halftime