MLK Tournament: Carmel Christian vs. Cox Mill

Cody Smith, Party Planning Committee

January 17, 2024

Senior Kam Taylor rises up for the dunk during pregame warm-ups. Taylor is known for his ferocious dunks that give life to the crowd. (Trent Shepherd)

On Saturday, Jan. 13, Carmel Christian hosted the annual MLK tournament. There was plenty of action-packed basketball all day that the spectators were enjoying. This tournament is always a huge success for the school and many fans look forward to these games that fill up the extended weekend

In the last game of the tournament, Cox Mill came in and faced off against the team hosting the tournament, Carmel Christian. This game was highly anticipated because Carmel lost to Cox Mill just a couple of weeks ago.

Junior Wing Bryce Slay stares down the defender after scoring on him. Slay has been a great player for the Cougars this year and was a big reason that Carmel could beat Cox Mill. (Trent Shepherd)

The game started with Carmel steadily building on the lead. Some early three-pointers by Kam Taylor (2024) and Bryce Slay (2025) helped get Carmel off to the early lead. The game was controlled by the Cougars from there on out. Cox Mill made a couple of runs and threatened CCS late in the game, but the Cougars never lost the lead.

As the starters are announced before the tip-off, the team shares some laughs. The Cougars have great team chemistry and are always bonding on and off the court. (Trent Shepherd)

This victory was led by Senior wing Kam Taylor. Taylor had an incredible game with 39 points. His night included many vicious dunks, some of which were alley-oops. Also, junior guard Braylen Bowman showcased his great passing in the win. Bowman missed some time earlier in the year with a lower leg injury but Carmel is glad that he is back and playing. Bowman and Taylor had some great connections on dunks which gave Carmel the momentum to win the game.

Final Score: Carmel Christian 78 – Cox Mill 64

MVP: Kam Taylor 39 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks

Sophomore Tommy Kaminski and Senor Kam Taylor high-five each other as the team enters the locker room during halftime. This is where the team can regroup before the second half starts. (Trent Shepherd)

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About the Contributor

Cody Smith, Editor

Cody Smith is new to the Blue and Gold staff this year. Cody, born and raised in Charlotte, is a junior this year and has been at Carmel since kindergarten. He has enjoyed his years at Carmel and has built many valuable relationships. He joined The Blue and Gold because he had an interest in interviewing people and sports, and he enjoyed The Journalism and Media I course his freshman year. Cody adds a special flare to the paper with his passion for Carmel and local sports. Though Cody enjoys any and all sports, he cheers for the Charlotte Panthers and is looking forward to covering their season. In his free time, Cody also enjoys playing basketball, a passion that started when he was in 2nd grade. He also enjoys listening to all kinds of music. He spends his time focusing on school and his passions. He is aiming to get a business degree to possibly go into sports management. Cody’s enthusiastic and passionate personality adds energy to the staff and paper that is sure to shine through in his writing.

Comments (7)

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Carson • Feb 1, 2024 at 9:32 am

These pictures are really good. Shout out to Trent Prodz.


https://blueandgoldstudentnews.org/7821/sports/mlk-tournament-carmel-christian-vs-cox-mill/#comment-1364
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Sophie Muir-Taylor • Jan 17, 2024 at 2:33 pm

Great recap Cody with such cool photos from Trent! You do a great job of following the game with depth for each play and player, and Trent’s photography brings the words to life!!


https://blueandgoldstudentnews.org/7821/sports/mlk-tournament-carmel-christian-vs-cox-mill/#comment-1344
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Brandy Caton • Jan 17, 2024 at 12:02 pm

I wasn’t able to attend the game this weekend so I appreciate this article so much! Kudos on timely, well-written sports journalism that updates those like me who couldn’t be there! And great photos by Trent, also 🙂


https://blueandgoldstudentnews.org/7821/sports/mlk-tournament-carmel-christian-vs-cox-mill/#comment-1336
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Bethany Welch • Jan 17, 2024 at 11:53 am

Nice article


https://blueandgoldstudentnews.org/7821/sports/mlk-tournament-carmel-christian-vs-cox-mill/#comment-1335
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Emma • Jan 17, 2024 at 11:24 am

Cody, this is an amazing recap of the game! Love all the pictures and player shoutouts!


https://blueandgoldstudentnews.org/7821/sports/mlk-tournament-carmel-christian-vs-cox-mill/#comment-1328
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Justin Franklin • Jan 17, 2024 at 11:23 am

Great recap Cody. The pictures from Trent are amazing.


https://blueandgoldstudentnews.org/7821/sports/mlk-tournament-carmel-christian-vs-cox-mill/#comment-1327
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Luke Thompson • Jan 17, 2024 at 11:22 am

Great story, Cody!


https://blueandgoldstudentnews.org/7821/sports/mlk-tournament-carmel-christian-vs-cox-mill/#comment-1324