TAPPS 2A Power Schools Collide

Reviews With Rob | Grace Christian vs O’Connell

You could tell by the fans in the gym, and the tension in the air, that this would be a tough game. O’Connell came in with a record of 15-7 (4-0 in the district) taking on a Grace Christian squad that was 20-10 (6-1) in the district. O'Connell, having won the first matchup, came in quite confident (and rightfully so, when you defeat a two-time defending state champ). In the first half, both teams came out throwing haymakers. ℅ 2025 G Cayden Munnilal was the engine that would drive Grace Christian to a lead. He would finish with 9 points in the half and play much bigger than his size. Not to be outdone, unsigned senior G Machai Seals would also help lead the charge for the Eagles. Both of these guards had to hold their own against O’Connell’s rugged and rough tandem of twins, unsigned senior Gs Khristian and Kristopher Johnson. They both would bully down low and combine for 18 points and 7 rebounds for the Buccaneers. Grace Christian would go into the half leading 34-23.

In the second half, the intensity would go up another notch. Fans would yell back and forth at each other and even call out some of the players on the court. O’Connell clawed their way back into the game with some hot shooting from unsigned senior W Nick Gonzales. The twins would look to continue their dominance down low and the Buccaneers looked to take their second win from the Eagles in convincing fashion. After a much-needed timeout, Grace Christian came out rejuvenated. A big part of that would be the inside play of unsigned senior W Glenn Applewhite IV. He contributed hustle plays and gave the coach of the Eagles good minutes. ℅ 2024 G Myles Herbert dazzled with his ball handling and ability to keep his dribble alive against much bigger opponents. After that, the duo of Munnilal and Seals made sure to close the door on any comeback that O’Connell might have mustered. After all, was said and done, Grace Christian took home a 65-57 victory that would put them right back in position for first place in the district.

O’Connell was led by: Khristopher Johnson with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists; Khristian Johnson with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists; Nick Gonzales with 10 points, 4 rebounds

Grace Christian was led by: Cayden Munnilal with 20 points (7 for 8 FG), 2 rebounds, 2 assists; Machai Seals with 14 points, 3 assists; Glenn Applewhite IV with 10 points, 7 rebounds; Myles Herbert with 8 points, 3 assists, 3 steals