Texas 6A Region 3 Area Round Playoffs: Cy Creek Defeats Elkins 63-54


In the 2nd round of the 2022 Playoffs, the Cy Creek Cougars faced off against the Elkins Knights. The Knights possess Chris Johnson, arguably the best junior in the city, while the Cougars feature Corey Hadnot and TJ Ashford, whom make up one of the most talented backcourts in the city. As soon as I saw these two teams would be facing each other, I knew it would make for a very competitive game.

From the beginning of the game Cy Creek came out firing, using a balanced attack early, while Elkins struggled to get going early. As the 2nd quarter began, Elkins started to heat up. Chris Johnson was a one man show during the second quarter and brought the Knights within 5 points at the half. 

The second half was a back and forth affair. Hadnot and Ashford did a great a job of breaking down the Knights' defense, while Johnson used his excellent combination of size and skill to keep the Knights in the game. 

During the fourth quarter Johnson tried his best to keep the Knights in the game, but the Cougars made all the right plays and hit all the right shots down the stretch to secure the victory, 63-54. 

Standouts:

Chris Johnson G 2023

Johnson's rare combination of size (6'5), skill, and savvy enabled him to get a decent shot off at any moment throughout the game. He put up 29 points, but he probably could've had 40 if he would finished a little better. Several of his layups just barely slid off the rim, but you have to give credit to Cy Creek's help defense on making Johnson change his shot in the lane. Unfortunately Johnson's supporting cast wasn't playing well, so I wasn't able to see much of his passing ability, though he's known to throw some dimes. Also, I liked that he took on the challenge of guarding Hadnot throughout the whole game. Overall, I believe Johnson lived up to the hype. He didn't have a great shooting night, but was able to get off pretty much any shot he wanted to. Some of shots go down or one of his teammates step up and I believe Elkins would've won that game. Regardless, Johnson still looked like a high major prospect and possibly future NBA player Friday night.

Corey Hadnot G 2023

Hadnot made me a believer on Friday night. I knew he could play, but you could say he dominated the game offensively while going up against one of the best guards in the nation. The most impressive qualities that I observed from him were his ability to beat the first line of defense almost every possession and his ability to play make with the pass. He looked like a future college point guard, which is great for Hadnot, who stands at around 6'2. I knew he was a good athlete that could use his dribble to get to the rim or get space for his jumper, but he was more than that on Friday. I'm curious to see which AAU team Hadnot will suit up with for summer ball for his last go around. He could be a guy who goes from 0 D1 offers to 5-10, if he chooses the right situation.

TJ Ashford G 2022

Ashford is a HIGH level athlete. If he decided to put a helmet on and hit the gridiron, I believe he would receive some offers from some Division 1 schools. In the second half Ashford had a dunk down the lane that put the crowd in a frenzy! Outside of his athletic ability Ashford used his dribbling and 3 point shooting to assist Hadnot in their mission to get to the next round of the playoffs. Ashford will most likely take the Junior College or Division II route next after he graduates this May. Nevertheless, Ashford plays winning basketball and will help whichever program he chooses win games at the next level.


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