RALEIGH -- Anton Gill knew the history and tradition behind Asheville Christ School.
Gill had seen it throughout his three years at Ravenscroft. He also had teammate Madison Jones, who told him about the Greenies, the team every school in the N.C. Independent School Athletic Association 3A division was chasing.
Inside their home gym on senior night, Gill and the Ravens caught the Greenies. Ravenscroft defeated Christ 83-73 Friday night and this game was demonstration why Gill is one the best guards in the state.
Against the Greenies, who are ranked second in the state by a number of publications, Gill scored a game-high 34 points.
“I’ve been waiting for this game for three years,” Gill said. “They’ve always been at the top team, so we put everything we had into this game.”
Christ is the powerhouse program in the NCISAA. The Greenies have won the last five state championships, including one in a win over Ravenscroft in the 2008-09 season.
Jones, a point guard, remembers that game well – because he was freshman that year. That was the last time Ravenscroft had seen Christ before Friday.
The victory gave the Ravens validation they were one of the best private school teams in the state, but this game could serve as a prelude to the state championship game in a few weeks.
Ravenscroft coach Kevin Billerman said the Ravens made an impressive statement to the school that has dominated the state.
“I think this proves we’re a really good basketball team,” Billerman said. “We have a chance to do something special.”
The Ravens (25-3) won in convincing fashion by never trailing in the second.
And when the Greenies (26-4) came within a few possessions, the Ravens had an answer every time. Gill was at the center of the Ravens production on offense.
In the first half, he made two 3-pointers when the Greenies gave him space. Then, in the second half, Gill put his head down and was able to get to the basket at will.
“He’s a great offensive player and it’s hard to stop him,” Jones said of Gill. “It’s a lot of fun playing with him.”
Jones was also one of the reasons the Ravens were able to stay ahead. He sat through much of the second quarter with three fouls. When it was time for him to direct the Ravens offense in the third quarter, Jones led his teammates in transition.
“I knew had to be smart in the third quarter,” said Jones, who finished with 15 points. “We love to run and get easy points, especially when they shoot a 3-pointer because those are long rebounds and we’re already down the court.”
The Greenies took 21 3-point shots. Though nine of those attempts went in, the other misses translated into either Gill or Jones attacking the basket.
Billerman said the Ravens had the advantage when that happened.
“I think they are both great players,” Billerman said of his guards. “It’s hard for teams to get back and stop those two guys in transition when we have at least even numbers.”
