In the home season opener for the Champion Tigers Development Team, a well balanced offensive attack carried the Tigers to a 97-78 win against Louisiana Community Christian. With 4 players in double figures for scoring, and 7 scoring 7 points or more, every player played a major contribution to the teams success over all.

In the first half, a sluggish start by the Tigers allowed for the LCC Huskies to stick around for the majority of the half. The Tigers defense wasn't the problem, finishing the possessions was. Giving up 22 total offensive rebounds (13 in the first half), the Huskies were able to capitalize off of put backs and kick outs to stay in the game. with a score of 18-16 around the the 11 minute mark, Champion began to figure out the offense and forcing turnovers. scoring 30 points in the last 11 minutes, the Tigers ended the half with 48 points, but losing the rebounding battle as the bigger team went into the half 48-42.

After some half time adjustments, the Tigers came out ready to go. With a new found energy on the defensive end, leading to easy looks on offense, Champion Christian began to pull away and never looked back. The Tigers stretched the lead to 20 at the 15 minute mark, and the lead was maintained the rest of the way. The Huskies went on a run with 8 minutes left to cut the lead to 14, but an And-1 fast break by Josh Walpole, followed by a 3 by Jordan Connor Kincannon stretch the lead back to 20. The Tigers ended the game with a big win, and were fueled by the amazing crowd that came to support the team! We are so thankful and blessed to have the Tiger faithful back for basketball this season!

Some notable stats from tonight's game:

Josh Walpole was dominant again, going for 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 3 steals

Tuvaris Noonan battled through foul trouble and still finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds

Connor Kincannon played another solid game, racking in 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists

Deon Lawson gave a much needed boost of the bench, going for 11 points, 8 rebounds, and a block

The team shot 52% from the field for the game, and assisted on 23 of 41 made baskets. A real team effort.

Next up for the Tigers is a match up against Arkansas Baptist College JV. The game will be Monday, October 24, at 7 pm. To see the full schedule, click here.