Boys Basketball: Skyline tops city rival Pioneer 50-41

Jayden Potts had 14 points, along with six rebounds and five blocks, and Ish Abdul-Aziz scored all of his 12 points in the second half to help lead the visiting Skyline Eagles to a 50-41 victory over rival Pioneer on Tuesday night.

The game was scoreless for about the first 3 plus minutes with Skyline playing strong half court man defense but unable to convert on some open looks (4 of 13 shooting in the first quarter). Skyline was able to score first midway through the first quarter and took an 8-6 lead going in to the 2nd quarter.

In the 2nd quarter, Skyline continued to play strong man-to-man defense and held Pioneer to another low quarter of 8 points. Skyline was able to convert some more open looks and score inside led by Ben Stille with 7 points in the quarter to build a 21-14 halftime lead.

The 3rd quarter was back and forth to start. Pioneer was hanging around through most of the period and then strung together some defensive stops and got Skyline to turn the ball over (15 turnovers for the game) with some full court pressure. The hosts tied up the game 30-30 with about 30 seconds left in the corner.

After a timeout, Skyline would score on an Abdul-Aziz driving bucket. As Pioneer brought the ball down in the closing seconds, Skyline stole the ball and passed up to Lucas Lynch who hit a 3 pointer to end the 3rd quarter with Skyline leading 35-30.

The Eagles would ride the momentum as Abdul Aziz led the offensive spark scoring another 6 points in the 4th quarter and Skyline was able to push the lead near double digits.

The Eagles were able to hold Pioneer’s offensive comeback down with the zone and put the game away at the free-throw line.

Other leaders for Skyline included Stille (7 pts, 7 rebounds) and Sam Koelling (5 pts, 5 rebounds).

Pioneer was led by Elijah Klein with 10 points, Josh Turman with 9 points and Brady Cunningham with 7 points.