Tree of Life uses late 3-pointers to edge Genoa Christian 55-49 in MOCAL battle

Tree of Life Christian School turned to its backcourt in the final minutes Friday night, and the Trojans delivered. Guard Kaiden Bray and guard Judah Korley hit back-to-back 3-pointers in the closing 2:30 of the fourth quarter to flip the lead and lift Tree of Life to a 55-49 victory over Genoa Christian in a key MOCAL league matchup at 935 Northridge Road in Columbus.

In a contest between league contenders, the Trojans leaned on defense and composure down the stretch to finish off one of their top conference opponents. Tree of Life tightened its half-court defense in the final quarter, forcing contested shots and limiting second-chance opportunities, which set the stage for the late offensive burst that decided the game.

Bray led all scorers with 22 points to go with 5 rebounds and 3 assists, consistently creating offense both in transition and in the half court. His late 3-pointer, following Korley’s make from beyond the arc, provided critical separation in a game that had remained within one or two possessions for most of the night. Korley finished with 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, impacting the game on both ends with timely shot-making and defensive pressure at the top of the Trojans’ defense.

Forward Jesse Kanu gave Tree of Life a needed interior presence, adding 8 points, 6 rebounds and a blocked shot. His work on the glass helped the Trojans close defensive possessions and limit Genoa Christian’s trips to one shot. That rebounding advantage became especially important in the fourth quarter as Tree of Life protected a narrow lead and forced Genoa Christian into rushed perimeter attempts.

Throughout the second half, Tree of Life’s defense set the tone. The Trojans contested ball screens, closed out on shooters and rotated effectively to keep Genoa Christian out of rhythm. When the offense stalled, their defense kept them within striking distance until the late 3-point surge. Those “tough defense and timely made shots down the stretch,” as described by the staff, ultimately proved to be the difference.

With the 55-49 win, Tree of Life not only held off a resilient Genoa Christian squad but also strengthened its position in the MOCAL standings. Behind standout performances from Bray, Korley and Kanu, the Trojans showed they can execute in late-game situations against one of the league’s top programs, a promising sign as conference play continues.