Varsity Men Take Flight Against Eagles While Varsity Women Come Up Short

Varsity Men

On senior night, at the Foundation Center on the Campus of Harrells Christian Academy the Varsity Men's basketball team exploded against Fayetteville Academy to earn their tenth conference victory of the season, 74-47. The Crusaders pushed the tempo all throughout the game by forcing many turnovers that led to easy buckets in transition.

The Crusaders got out to an early lead by outscoring the Eagles 20-8 in the first quarter. The Crusaders continued their scoring success in the second quarter. HCA headed into the half with a 42-17 advantage under the leadership of CJ Kirchoff who coined four three pointers for 12 points and Quate Mckinzie who recorded 11 points.

HCA did not slow down in the second half which led to multiple fast break dunks for the Crusaders. By the end of the third quarter the Crusaders extended their lead to 30 points, 63-33. In the closing stages of the game all of the seniors earned valuable playing time. Their hard work all season paid off on their way to a 27 point victory over the Eagles. When the Crusaders have had success this year they have created a balanced scoring attack, and that is exactly what happened against the Eagles. The Crusader scoring attack produced four players in double figures. Quate Mckinzie led the way with 24 points. Mckinzie's teammates made great passes to him all night which led to a grand total of seven dunks for him throughout the course of the game. CJ Kirchoff made his mark from behind the three point arc by draining five three pointers. He finished the game with 15 points. Donta Chavious finished the game with 11 points. He was quickly followed by Spencer Cooke with 10. With the Crusaders 27 point victory over the Eagles they claim the Coastal Rivers Conference Regular Season Title. HCA closed out regular season play with a 16-3 (10-0 ) record. The Crusaders will be back in action on Friday, February 13 as they take on Fayetteville Academy in the semifinals of the Coastal Rivers Conference tournament at Parrott Academy- Game time 7:00.

Varsity Women

The Lady Crusaders struggled to find the basket all game in their heartbreaking 35-32 loss to Fayetteville Academy. A "nasty" first quarter featured a whole lot of defense and well quite honestly one made shot. The Lady Eagles edged a slight 3-0 lead heading into the second quarter after a late made three pointer by the Eagles. The second quarter did not bring much offensive efficiency either. The Lady Crusaders headed to the half down 9-8 after a two point buzzer beater by the Lady Eagles.

The second half featured a flurry of offensive production, however. At the end of the third quarter the game was tied at 20. With 1:05 left to play the Eagles made a basket to extend their lead to 32-28. The Crusaders did not find a way to convert in the closing seconds of the game which led to a 35-32 loss. Emily Benton led the Crusaders in scoring with 12 points. The Lady Crusaders loss to Fayetteville Academy dropped them to 15-3 (8-2) on the season. The Lady Crusaders take on Fayetteville Academy in the semifinals of the Coastal Rivers Conference tournament on Friday, February 13 at 5:30.