In Tune-up, CK's Backcourt Does Damage

Christ the King's 6-foot-4 University of Connecticut-bound center Tina Charles is widely considered one of the top talents in the country. Her dominance on the boards, athleticism running the court and scoring touch make her next to impossible to shut down. But Saturday in their first of many serious non-league tests, the Royals' perimeter threats were the unstoppable ones.
Starting junior backcourt Sky Lindsay and Lorin Dixon combined for 28 points, while reserve Nicole Caldera scored all eight of her points in a 15-4 second quarter spurt as CK routed Broward (Fla.), 73-47, at home Saturday evening.
&#8220Every game we know teams are going to double- and triple-team Tina,” said Lindsay, who scored 19 points and added nine rebounds. &#8220Once that happens, it's our time to shine.”
&#8220I guess they thought we were going to cool down,” Dixon said of the extra attention paid to Charles, who still finished with game-highs of 22 points and 14 rebounds.
While CK (3-0), No. 1 in USA Today, isn't near as dominant in the paint as a year ago now that the 6-foot-3 forward Carrem Gay is at Duke University, they're perhaps more lethal from the perimeter.
Leading by just five, 19-14, early in the second quarter, Dixon began the run that put the game out of reach with a driving three-point play in the lane before adding a floater. After a Broward free-throw, Caldera knocked down a pair at the line, Lindsay scored inside, and Caldera dropped in her first of two consecutive 3-pointers, putting the Royals up 16, 34-18.
&#8220I knew they were a great team, but we had to give up something,” said Broward Coach Richard Walker. &#8220They were impressive with their depth.”
Broward, Florida state champs four of the last six years, and the No. 2-ranked team in the state, were no match for the nation's best. The Royals led 44-21 at halftime, a lead that wouldn't get under 18 the rest of the way.
&#8220I think we're a good club,” said CK Coach Bob Mackey, predicting, &#8220It's going to be a great year.”
But now comes a severe test. Beginning next week, CK will travel to Phoenix, AZ for the premier Tournament of Champions, which they won last year, taking over the country's top spot.
This year they begin tournament play with the host team, St. Mary's (AZ), No. 17 in the nation. Overall, 14 of the 16 teams in the bracket are in the top 25.
&#8220I can't wait ‘til next week,” said Lindsay, &#8220I love to play against really good teams.”