Whitefield Academy gave coach Tyrone Johnson a trip to Macon for his birthday.
The WolfPack out-hustled, out-rebounded and beat Calvary Day, 82-61, in a Class A Private semifinal Monday at Kennesaw State.
Whitefield advances to face St. Francis in the championship game on Saturday in Macon.
Brendon Myles had 14 points, and Norman Harris and Courtney Alexander each added 13 to help the WolfPack reach the state championship game for the second time in three seasons.
"Courtney Alexander was great," said Johnson. "He established himself down low, rebounding and blocking shots, which helped us get out on the break."
Norman Harris, Lawrence Waters and Brendon Myles each hit big 3-pointers in the first half, helping the WolfPack take a 40-24 into intermission. The lead grew to 20 in the third quarter, and Whitefield won going away.
Whitefield Academy won the majority of the 50-50 balls and did a better job handling the press than Calvary Day did. The WolfPack also dominated on the glass.
Whitefield Academy will be the underdog against a loaded St. Francis team that was impressive in a semifinal win over Athens Christian.
“We’re not going to grow before we head to Macon, so we’ve got to win every 50-50 ball,” said Johnson, who waved to a large contingency of students as they sang him “Happy Birthday” late in the fourth quarter. “Those are the kind of things that you can control night to night, but you can make the effort plays. St. Francis is big, long athletic. The game is going to be determined by who’s going to impose their will on the opponent.”
Derek Kirkland led Calvary Day with 17 points, and Robert Heyward added 10 for the Cavaliers.
About the Author
