By T. Scott Boatright
Defense was the name of the Panthers game Monday night as the Lincoln Preparatory School boys basketball team went on the road and suffocated the St. Frederick Warriors in a 63-27 win.
The Panthers led 14-9 at the end of the first quarter and 30-19 at halftime before roaring away in the third quarter.
“We actually came out and played the most complete game defensively that we’ve played all season, so it turned out pretty good for us,” Hudson said. “It took us a little big to get going, but we came out strong in the second half, and that was good to see.”
Lincoln Prep outscored the Warriors 26-8 in the third stanza and 7-0 in the fourth quarter, allowing coach Antonio Hudson to empty his bench and give his younger Panthers playing time that could become crucial later in the season.
The Panthers had nine players put points on the scoreboard against the Warriors.
“People don’t believe me when I tell them this is one of the most complete teams that we’ve had,” Hudson said. “We have three or four guys who can give us 15-18 points every night. This game was the best that we’ve shot the ball this season, and that gives us some needed confidence as we head toward the (district) season.”
Amarjae Young led Lincoln Prep with 16 points while adding two rebounds, two assists, two steals along with an assist and a blocked shot.
“When Armajae gets his head right he’s one of those top players I was talking about and he was against St. Frederick,” Hudson said. “We just need him to stay focused and keep working. But it was good to see him get into a groove out there.”
Freshman Jabari Levingston continued showing he can be a key player despite his youth, adding 12 points, four steals, four assists, two boards and a blocked shot for the Panthers.
“Jabari has a chance to be really special,” Hudson said. “He’s still working on shot selection and things of that nature, but again, he’s still a freshman. But as long as he keeps focused on improving in all phases of the game, he’s going to be one of our key guys as he’s shown in the early part of this season.”
Trey Spann also scored in double digits for the Panthers, totaling 11 points along with four assists, two steals and one rebound.
Devin Burton chipped in with five points, five rebounds, two steals, a blocked shot and an assist for the Panthers while Dylan Green added four points and two boards.
The Panthers also received three points, a blocked shot and a rebound from Devin Shine, two points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal from Zion Hicks and two points from Dbraylon Cooper, who added three boards.
Lincoln Prep, which now stands at 11-6, will next play host to New Living Word tonight.
