Rick Patrick
ECB Publishing, Inc.
On Saturday, Jan. 29, Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) took the Florida Christian Athletic League title at the league tournament in Jacksonville.
The Lady Warriors began the tournament on Friday, Jan. 28, in a dominating fashion by defeating the Eagle's View Lady Warriors from Jacksonville, 65-26. ACA went out to an early lead and by the end of the opening period had a 19-6 advantage. ACA didn't slow down as they continued to expand their lead and by the time intermission came around ACA had a comfortable 39-11 lead. The third quarter saw more competitive play, but ACA continued to outscore Eagle's View 18-15 during the third period to hold a 57-26 lead heading into the final period. During the final quarter, ACA held Eagle's View scoreless to finish the game victorious with a 65-26 final score.
Sammi Drawdy led ACA in scoring with 18 points. Jenna Lindsey had a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Lauchlin Faglie also scored in double-digits with 10 points.
Then, on Saturday, Jan. 29, ACA faced the Lady Mustangs of Meadowbrook Academy, from Ocala, Fla. This contest began competitively with the Lady Warriors holding a 15-10 edge at the end of the first period. The Lady Warriors continued to extend their lead during the second period and by halftime, held a 34-15 lead. Throughout the second half, the Lady Warriors put the screws to the Lady Mustangs with stingy defensive play, holding the Lady Mustangs to just six points during the second half. The Lady Warriors finished the game with a 50-21 victory.
Drawdy led the Lady Warriors again in scoring, with 21 points. Lindsey chalked up another double-double for the Lady Warriors, with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lady Warriors finished the regular season with a 19-5 record, going into the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A District Two tournament.
On Tuesday, Feb. 1, the Lady Warriors faced the Lady Eagles of North Florida Christian School in the Class 2A District Two tournament, hosted by ACA. The Lady Warriors went out to another early lead, outscoring the Lady Eagles 25-8 during the first quarter. The Lady Eagles rebounded and cut into the Lady Warriors' lead during the second period, but still trailed, 29-16 at halftime. The Lady Warriors expanded their lead again during the third quarter, which ended in a 45-26 lead for the host team. During the final period, the Lady Eagles mad a come back, but still fell short to the Lady Warriors, who came out victorious with a 49-37 victory, to advance to the district championship game.
Drawdy led the Lady Warriors again in scoring with 21 points. Lindsey had another double-double evening, with 16 points to go along with 18 rebounds.
In the district championship game, on Friday, Feb. 4, the Lady Warriors faced the Lady Rattlers of FAMU High School. This time, it was the Lady Rattlers who took and early lead, holding a 19-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Rattlers continued to press their advantage during the second period and, by halftime, had a 44-18 lead over the Lady Warriors. The story was the same during the second half until the final buzzer sounded and the Lady Warriors fell by a score of 64-32.
Drawdy led the Lady Warriors in scoring, with 19 points. Lindsey snagged 14 total rebounds to go along with her seven points.
With their second-place district finish, the Lady Warriors earned their way into the “Sweet Sixteen” of the Class 2A State Basketball Tournament. The Lady Warriors will travel to Jacksonville to face the Fighting Christians of University Christian School, from Jacksonville. The region quarterfinal game will take place at University Christian School on Thursday, Feb. 10. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.