Eagles lose tourney opener; Adairsville teams drop games at Murray County

The Excel Christian Academy boys lost their opening game at the Dominion Christian Holiday Tournament Friday, falling to Cherokee Christian 75-62.

“We got down by double-digits early and had our chances to work back into it,” said ECA head coach David Archer. “We even had chances in the closing minutes, but fatigue and subsequent defensive lapses were major factors.”

Cherokee Christian led 23-10 after one quarter, but Excel narrowed the margin to 36-27 at halftime. The Eagles trailed 57-46 heading into the fourth quarter.

Andrew Peacock paced Cherokee Christian with 16 points. Demarcus Moses added 11 for the Warriors.

Blake Bailey scored 18 points for Excel. Elijah Payne and Kalil Holley followed with 17 and 13 points, respectively.

The Eagles (3-4) play Praise Academy Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the tournament consolation game at Dominion Christian in Marietta.

MURRAY COUNTY 50, ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 36

The Adairsville girls displayed one of their better defensive efforts of the season Friday night, but couldn’t overcome host Murray County, 50-36.

The Lady Indians led 14-11 after one quarter, 23-16 at halftime, and 33-27 entering the final period. Murray County then outscored Adairsville 17-9 in the fourth quarter to secure the Region 6-AAA game.

Alissa Winters led Adairsville (2-7, 0-5) with eight points. Ya’Torrean Hale and Haley Stiles followed with seven points each.

The Lady Tigers will return to action December 29 when they host the 3rd annual Ace Hardware Holiday Tournament. Adairsville’s opening round opponent will be Kennesaw Mountain at 7 p.m. Other participating girls teams include Armuchee, Woodland, Gordon Central, Cartersville, Rockmart, and Cass.

MURRAY COUNTY 76, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 57

The host Indians blew open an other close game Friday night by outscoring Adairsville 25-9 in the final eight minutes for a 19-point Region 6-AAA win.

Adairsville led 15-14 after one quarter and only trailed 32-31 at halftime and 51-48 heading to the fateful fourth quarter.

Brannan Nuckolls scored a game-high 29 points to lead Murray County (6-2, 4-1). Teammate Hayden Newport poured in 24 points.

T.J. Printup, Jr. paced the Tigers with 21 points. Hayden Poarch scored 11 and Zac Postell added eight for Adairsville.

Adairsville (4-3, 2-3) returns to action December 29-31 when the Tigers host the 3rd annual Ace Hardward Holiday Tournament. Adairsville will square off with Woodland December 29 at 8:30 p.m. in the first round.

Other boys teams participating in the tournament include: Cartersville, Excel Christian Academy, Rockmart, Mt. Paran, Calhoun, and Temple.