The Noble Preparatory Academy (NPA) Spartans fired on all cylinders yesterday, easily winning their opening game of the annual spring classic at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium.
Behind 12 points from Stephon Augustin, the Spartans coasted to an easy 59-38 victory over Leadership Academy.
"It's good to start the tournament off with the win," said Noble Prep Head Coach and tournament organizer Geno Bullard Sr. "Now, after getting the first one out of the way, we can kind of see how we are going to position ourselves for the remainder of the tournament. The guys played a good, tough game. Now we just have to build on that as we move forward."
Noble Prep jumped out to a 10-2 lead to start the game. Augustin had six of his 12 points during that run, all coming off second chance opportunities. The Spartans ended the first quarter with a 17-6 lead. Leadership Academy managed to cut the deficit to eight at the half (30-22), but that was the closest they got in the game.
Noble Prep led by as much as 18 points in the second half.
Lynden McDonald finished with seven points for NPA, while Aaron Lloyd chipped in with six. Francisco McKinney had a game-high 13 points for Leadership Academy.
In the second game of the evening, the St. Anne's Blue Waves overcame a slow start to knock off the Akhepran International Academy Scarabs, 58-47.
Ashton Knowles poured in 12 points to lead the Blue Waves. Amos Rolle had eight points for the Scarabs in the loss.
In the third game of the evening, the C.R. Walker Knights turned back the Westminster Diplomats, 75-54.
Once again, players competing in the spring classic will be aiming for the ultimate prize, a full athletic scholarship to Niagara College in Canada. The scholarship is awarded to the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP).
"With a full ride on the line, you know guys are going to come out every game and give it their all. It's what really makes this tournament unique," Bullard said. "A lot of players from smaller schools who have played well all season will look to get their names out there. We also have some of the more popular schools competing in this tournament as well. That mix, combined with the fact that these guys are really playing with a lot on the line, should really make for some stiff competition throughout the tournament."
Noble Prep alumnus Kevin Cooper received last year's MVP honor.
The NPA Spring Classic continues today at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, beginning at 4 p.m. In the opener, the Temple Christian Suns will take on the C.R. Walker Knights. The tournament comes to a close on
Saturday.

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