Third quarter surge lifts Excel Christian girls

The Excel Christian Academy girls basketball team broke open a close game with a big third quarter performance Tuesday night and then held off visiting Trion in the fourth to win 46-38.

The Lady Eagles trailed 10-8 after one period, but took a 21-20 lead to halftime.

In the pivitol third quarter, Excel outscored the Lady Bulldogs 18-3 to take a 39-23 advantage to the final period.

Whitney Harris had a game-high 20 points for Excel. She was followed by Rylie Boston with 11 points, Landry McCollum six, Brighton McCollum five, and Kalli Beth Scheff with two points.

Shayla Youngblood and Josie Maddox led Trion with 13 and 10 points, respectively.

The loss dropped the Lady Bulldogs to 2-10 overall and 1-3 in Region 6-A.

Excel Christian (6-3, 2-1) plays at Darlington Friday night and will host Gordon Central on Saturday.

TRION BOYS 66, EXCEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 17

Despite the one-sided final score, Excel boys basketball coach Eric Collins said he saw some positives. “I’m really proud of our guys,” said Collins, “they played hard tonight.”

Trion took a 23-10 lead after one period and pushed their advantage to 42-13 at halftime on their way to a region win over the Eagles.

Jackson Busch led Excel with six points.

J. Gill led Trion with 15 points. Blaine Woody scored 11 for the Bulldogs who improved to 9-3 overall and 5-1 in Region 6-A.

Excel (0-7) plays at Darlington Friday night and will host Gordon Central Saturday evening.