Teams in the state’s smallest classification are more than holding their own against larger schools in holiday season tournaments and in individual match-ups, which will bode well for them when the first power ratings of the season are announced on January 15. Here’s a look:
PRIVATE BOYS
Eagle's Landing Christian Academy 60, (Class AAAA) North Clayton 38. Trevon Reddish had a huge game last Saturday in the Peach State Classic at Clayton State University. The senior was a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, and finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Senior F Felix Uadiale led the way with 14 points for the Chargers.
ELCA 61, (Class AAAAAAA) Etowah 44. The Chargers picked up their third win in a row and got off on the right foot in the first round of the Lake City Classic at Allatoona, Thursday, knocking off a team from the highest classification. ELCA will face Class AAAAA Kell today.
Holy Innocents' 61, (Class AAAAAA) Tri-Cities 50. The Bears got a big win over one of the top teams in the state's second largest classification in the opening round of the annual Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic, hosted by Wheeler. Holy Innocents' will face Class AAAAAAA Shiloh today.
Lakeview Academy 60, (Class AAA) West Hall 42. The Lions got 17 points from Blake McIntyre and 15 from Arturo Varela to secure a win in the opening round of the Lanierland Classic on Thursday. Lakeview drained 5-of-6 three pointers in the second half and will face defending tournament champions Class AAAAAA Gainesville today.
Pinecrest Academy 58, (Class AAAAAA) Northgate 42. The Paladins earned a sweep over the Vikings on Thursday, as the girls team was victorious as well, 38-35.
St. Francis 82, (Florida Class AAAAAAAA) Blanche Ely 77. The Knights took out one of the top teams in Florida's highest classification on Thursday, in the annual Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic, hosted by Wheeler. St. Francis will face Class AAAAAAA Newton today.
PRIVATE GIRLS
Landmark Christian 58, (Class AAA) Stone Mountain 52. The War Eagles picked up a win in the first round of the New Manchester Holiday Classic, and will face the host squad, one of the best in Class AAAAAA, today.
Stratford Academy 41, (Class AAAAA) Union Grove 38. The Eagles led by nine at halftime and 29-25 heading into the fourth quarter, and held on for the win in the opening round of the Tattnall Square Holiday Tournament in Macon. They will face Strong Rock today.
Wesleyan 53, (South Carolina Class AAAAA) Fort Dorchester 38. The Wolves picked up an impressive win over one of the best teams in South Carolina in the Carolina Invitational in Charleston. A.C. Carter led the way with 14 points while Paige Lyons added 13. Wesleyan will take a break until January 4, when Atlanta International visits for a region contest.
PUBLIC GIRLS
Marion County 63, (Class AAAA) Columbus 53. The Eagles, last year's state runners-up, stayed undefeated (8-0) on the season with a win over the Blue Devils on Thursday. Marion County led 45-29 heading in to the fourth quarter. The Eagles will face another Class AAAA foe, Hardaway, Saturday.
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