Game Takes: Victory Christian Academy 65 – Gary 21st Century 61

The Recap: In a game that started off kind of sloppy and fast paced and benefited Gary 21st, it ended with a VCA win. The end of the first quarter ended with a massive DJ Moss dunk in transition and it looked like Gary 21st might be able to use that momentum going forward and put the game away early. That did not happen. Gary 21st was up at half with a 4 point lead as VCA chipped away at the early deficit. By the end of the back and forth third quarter, which saw a handful of lead changes Gary 21st took another 4 point lead into the final frame. That's when senior Lincoln Thomae and company took over to seal the 65-61 win. Upperclassmen experience showed.

Six Takes:

• With the addition of senior point guard Xavier Aponte (Portage), VCA now has three legitimate scoring threats (Flynn Carlson, Lincoln Thomae). He is a tremendous passer and can knockdown perimeter shots. Schedule-wise they still have Hammond, CMA, Calumet, and Bowman left as games to keep an eye on.
• Lincoln Thomae (2022) finished the night with a hard earned 31. He really battled all night and got to the line a ton. Strong player who plays hard all game long. Will leave it all out on the floor. Battles for boards on both ends. Should find a roster spot at the next level.
• Flynn Carlson was a menace on the defensive end, and was able to clean up around the basket on offense. His length just gives anyone who is attacking the basket fits. Very solid all around effort for the Milligan commit.
• Gary 21st is a younger squad led by senior point guard Takari Jones. DJ Moss (2023) and Quintin Floyd (2023) are not only the future, but also the present. Takari Jones is a strong lead guard who loves to attack the basket. He is still learning to finish, especially over longer defenders, but love his aggressiveness!
• Quintin Floyd 6'3" really impressed. He has great length, knows how to rebound and was able to finish through contact. When he gets more consistent with his outside shot he will be more of a complete threat, but he is definitely someone to watch moving forward.
• DJ Moss 6'5" thrives in transition. Loves getting down hill to the basket and will finish strong. He is still trying to figure the game out when it is slowed down into the half court. His outside shot should come with some work. He could really be effective if he were to post some, as well, just because he has the strength to be really good inside. Overall another great sophomore prospect.

Next Up and Top Uncommitted Prospects

Victory Christian - 11/28 vs. Hammond

• Lincoln Thomae - 6'1" Junior
• Xavier Aponte - 5'10" Senior

Gary 21st Century - 12/4 @ Bowman Academy

• Takari Jones - 6' Senior
• DJ Moss - 6'5" Sophomore
• Quintin Floyd - 6'3" Sophomore