After splitting in the regular season, CCA handled Robert Toombs Christian Academy on Thursday to advance to Friday’s region championship game versus First Preparatory Christian Academy (FPCA).
The Patriots came out firing and played aggressive defense to lead 13-3 and 33-10 at the end of the first two quarters. RTCA composed themselves at the half and put up a fight in the third quarter, closing the gap to 44-27. The Patriots, however, squelched any further advances, winning decidedly 58-41. Blake Bryant led the team with a double-double, scoring 19 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Senior Jonathan Rutland bagged 16 points with 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
The Lady patriots faced off with Memorial Day School for the third time for the GIAA Region 6 Class A Championship on Friday. Despite a slow start, CCA went into the half with a 2-point lead. The Lady Matadors decided to double team Arabelle Roberts coming out of the half, which the other 4 Lady Patriots on the court took advantage of and extended the lead moving forward. When the final buzzer sounded, the girls claimed the region championship with a 54-41 win. Key to the win was four Lady Patriots in double digits. Roberts had 18, Abrah Harris had 12, and both Ava Vickers and Bristol Barrs bagged 10 each. Roberts and Harris both had double-doubles, grabbing 18 and 12 rebounds apiece.
On the boys’ side, the Patriots faced FPCA, to whom they lost twice in the regular season, for the region championship. In a fast paced, physical game, the Patriots trailed by 7 at the half, but came out charging in the second half, closing the gap to 4 by the end of the third quarter. A put-back at the end of regulation by Blake Bryant tied it at 44. In overtime, both FPCA and CCA hit key free throws, but it all ended with a baseline drive and dish by Jack Culpepper to Blake Bryant cutting to the basket. One dribble and a finish put the Patriots up by 1 with no time for FPCA to answer. The Patriots took the region championship 51-50. Gray McLean led the scoring with 21 points and Bryant bagged another double-double with 19 points and 19 rebounds.
Coach Jared Roberts was named GIAA Region 6 Class A Coach of the Year for both girls and boys teams. Arabelle Roberts and Blake Bryant were named GIAA Region 6 Class A Players of the Year for girls and boys.
Both teams will have a first-round bye and take the court in the state playoffs next week on Friday (girls) and Saturday (boys). Times and location TBA once state rankings are released.