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North Side won for the ninth consecutive time on Friday with an impressive performance against Homestead. Here were five keys in the Redskin victory:
1. Defense
Some may scoff at this due to Caleb Swanigan going for 21 points and 16 rebounds for Homestead, but it was the defense on the other four Spartans players that helped win the game for North Side. Nick Gamble was held to 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting and Homestead hit just 5-of-19 3-pointers.
2. Lucas Braun
Who? Yes, the 5-foot-9 sparingly-used senior deserves some kudos. Braun got the start for North Side on Senior Night and, while not playing long, had one of the biggest plays of the game. His block from behind of Swanigan in the opening minute had North Side fans on their feet in salute, and the statement was made that the Redskins weren’t going to let the big man get anything easy.
3. A quick start
North Side started all four of its seniors Friday, of whom just two start. Despite the inexperience, the Redskins jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead on a pair of 3-pointers, giving them a lead they would never relinquish.
4. Tre’Vion Crews
The best player in the city that no one has heard of. The junior point guard is one of the best passers in the area, evidenced by seven assists on Friday. He also grabbed eight rebounds and scored 11 points in the win. With a wealth of talent in the city graduating this spring, he will garner more attention next season.
5. 3-point shooting
North Side’s 3-point shooting has been off the charts in recent games. On Friday, the Redskins hit 10-of-18 from behind the arc. North Side has a tendency to stand around and not move much offensively, but with teams tending to play zone against the Redskins recently, they don’t have to be moving much to get open 3-point shots.
