CSCS treats flu-ridden Florence roughly

Colorado Springs Christian School entered Friday night's Tri- Peaks League game with Florence looking to shake the inconsistency it experienced during the first half of the season.

Right on cue, coach Mason Young's crew (9-3, 3-0) responded with one of its most complete games of the year, a 60-37 blowout of Florence in a game that wasn't that close.

CSCS's twin towers, Stephanie Thompson (6-foot-2) and Courtney Jackson (6-1) combined for 36 points in the home victory.

"We've been struggling a little and we just wanted to go back to having fun," said Thompson, who with Jackson each scored 11 first- half points. "I really think we did that tonight.

"We've been trying to find the right combinations. We really had our heads on tonight and wanted to get it done."

Florence, meanwhile, never got it going. The flu bug swept through the team during the week leading up to the game. Six of Florence's seven varsity-only players were sick.

"We couldn't catch our breath, couldn't execute anything," Florence coach Jill Decker said. "I don't want to make any excuses, but I've only had one kid at practice all week. The rest have been sick. The flu just took its toll on us and we just couldn't give CSCS a game. They played well. Their two big towers executed the way they can.

"I feel bad for our kids and you have to give coach Young credit. We just made some terrible passes, poor decisions and that's what happens when you're not mentally and physically ready to play."

Florence (8-2, 2-1) mustered just three points in the third quarter as CSCS pulled away.

From the start, though, CSCS took the game to Florence. With Thompson and Jackson working the baseline, CSCS's guards used crisp, patient passing to get the ball into their hands for easy shots.

The pair scored 22 of the team's 27 first-half points.

"They've worked out a few kinks in the road and have started to jell on some things," Young said.

- Troy Schwindt may be reached at 636-0250 or gtsports@gazette.com

Girls basketball

CSCS 60

Florence 37

HIGHLIGHT: Stephanie Thompson and Courtney Jackson combine for 36 points for CSCS.

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