Quincy Shootout: Link Academy’s defense steals show in lopsided victory over Faith Family

QUINCY — The large crowd filling Blue Devil Gym to catch a glimpse of the No. 1-ranked prep boys basketball team in the nation expected to see Link Academy dazzle with an above-the-rim offensive display.

As good as the Lions were offensively, their defense stole the show.

Link Academy limited Oak Cliff Faith Family to four field goals and nine points in the first half, fueling a 70-40 victory in an afternoon game of the fifth Quincy Shootout. It was the largest margin of victory in any of the Shootout’s 18 games.

“Defense is what we hang our hat on all year,” Link coach Bill Armstrong said. “We really work on defense and teach the guys what we want to. My defensive philosophy is to recruit really good players and get them in the gym. Then you have to give the credit to the kids for the talent they have and how hard they work.”

Elliot Cadeau and B.J. Davis led the Lions with 13 points apiece, while Tyler McKinley and Cameron Carr had 10 points apiece. Doryan Onwuchekwa led the Eagles with 21 points, while Jadyn Toppin added 12.

“I’ve been coaching 20 years and I’ve coached against the No. 1 team in the country twice,” Oak Cliff Faith Family coach Brandon Thomas said. “Obviously, you want to win. But to get exposed in a lot of areas midseason, it gives you a chance to adjust and recalibrate. I’m thankful we got to play that game and see what we need to improve on.”