CAMDEN — The Camden Fairview Cardinals (1-1) were victorious against the Centerpoint Knights (2-1) on Tuesday, winning 58-31.
Coach Josh Nix’s Cardinals wasted little time getting up and down the court and scoring 16 points in the first quarter. The Cardinals crashed the boards and looked to push the tempo. Corey Lockhart paced the Cardinals early scoring six points with four coming off of offensive rebounds.
Even after going to its bench, the production continued for the Cardinals as they were able to take a 14 point advantage into the half. CF would enter the fourth quarter with a 44-20 lead and keep the Knights at bay for the remainder of the game.
Nix said after the game that he was proud of the way his team played after losing against Warren in its season opener last week. The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead in that game but were unable to get to loose balls and and get much needed defensive stops.
“We focused on defensive rebounding the last couple of days,” Nix said. “For the most part, I think we did a pretty good job. We had some mistakes here and there but it was a better effort this time.”
Nine Cardinals players were able to score on Tuesday night but 14 were able to get into the game. Nix said each student athlete on the team has something to contribute.
“We’re dropping off a few here or there but I think we are a lot deeper team this year,” Nix shared. “As far as from 1-10, we’re kinda about the same. I think we are a different team this year and can play a little deeper.”
The Cardinals will have its first road game of the season tonight when they travel to play 6A El Dorado.
“They’re always just like us,” Nix said. “They’re going to get up for that game. It’s a rivalry game. I think it should be a pretty good game. I think we’re pretty evenly matched. We’re going to have to play with some good effort and good defense.”
Dashaire Ford-Burton led the Cardinals with 12 points followed by Christian Strahan and Lockhart with 10 each.
Lady Cardinals lose to Centerpoint
The Camden Fairview Lady Cardinals (1-3) struggled finding a rhythm after the holiday break and fell to Centerpoint (2-0), 43-34.
Both the Lady Cardinals and the Lady Knights were able to force turnovers throughout the night with pressure defense. After CF took a 10-9 into the second quarter, Centerpoint would grab the lead at about the three minute mark. However, with 1:27 left in the second, Takari Glover would tie the game at 19 and that would be the halftime score.
The teams would take turns going ahead in the third before Centerpoint would go ahead 32-31 with five minutes left in the fourth. Centerpoint would then go on a run scoring 8 points within a minute and a half. CF was unable to respond and the Knights were able to execute well enough to pull off the win.
Glover led the Lady Cardinals with 14 points followed by Jihya Jefferson with nine.
After the game, CF Head Lady Cardinals Coach Johnny Jackson said he felt like his team learned how important it is to stay in game shape while they enjoy their holiday breaks and that he was confident his team would bounce back for it and be ready for the game against El Dorado.