Leo Torres
Gadsden County News Service
Crossroad Academy advanced to the Region Finals Saturday after beating Blountstown 55-41.
Senior Mason Mobley led the team in scoring with 14 points. Senior Jabari Boahen led the team in rebounds with 11, a key stat as Crossroad (18-3) dominated the glass. The team had 35 rebounds compared to 12 for the Tigers (16-9).
Head coach Brandon Shingles credited his team’s ability to move the ball as a key factor in their win. The Scorpions had numerous opportunities during the matchup to force a bad shot, but more often than not, they found the extra pass that put them in a better position to score.
“Ball movement was excellent tonight. It’s something we stressed all week,” Shingles said. “If we want to be a championship team, we have to move the ball. Everybody has to play for each other.”
Shingles said he wants to improve defensive mistakes ahead of this week’s Region Final, especially in late-game situations. “We just have to finish games and close out games a lot better than what we’ve been doing,” he said.
Blountstown’s athleticism presented issues for Crossroad defensively, though they managed it well. Players such as sophomore Cyion Smith and sophomore Braxton Sercye tried to use their size and quickness to penetrate inside, but the Scorpions contained them and forced them into bad shots.
Shingles said the team has a “never back down” mentality, something they will fall back on as hungry teams try to take them down.
In the Region Final, Crossroad will face Port St. Joe, a familiar opponent for them. Crossroad took them down for the district championship, the only loss for the Sharks all season.
“We just have to come back in and stay disciplined,” Boahen said. “We don’t really look at who’s next, we’re just focused on practice and getting better as a team.”
