Eagles win region title with 20th victory of the season

February 5, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com

The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team won the GAPPS Region 1-IA championship on Thursday night in Powder Springs with an 85-69 victory over Praise Academy.

The Eagles led 25-15 after one quarter; 47-35 at halftime; and 67-58 through three quarters en route to a 16-point win.

Damir McBride led ECA with 33 points. Mier Bell scored 17, and Jamari Gatson added 13 points.

Hunter Ivey paced Praise Academy (17-7) with 28 points. Caleb Dateayer followed with 18.

Excel Christian (20-6) advanced to host a GAPPS Class A State Tournament quarterfinal game on February 13.  The Eagles’ opponent will be determined in the first round of play.