Excel Christian boys defeat Praise Academy for fourth straight region win

The Excel Christian Academy girls’ and boys’ basketball teams split GAPPS Region 1-IAA home games Friday night with Praise Academy.

The Eagles tamed the Lions 56-35 but the Lady Eagles lost to Praise Academy, 57-27.

EXCEL CHRISTIAN BOYS 56, PRAISE ACADEMY 35

The Excel Christian Academy boys did not score in the fourth quarter Friday night, but their performance in the first three quarters provided plenty of margin for the Eagles to beat region-foe Praise, 56-35.

ECA led 19-8 after one quarter; 36-16 at halftime; and 56-24 at the end of the third quarter.

Jacob Taylor led the Eagles in scoring with 18 points. Kyron McClendon followed with 11. Jakaden Barkley contributed 10 points and Comari Nettles scored nine in the win.

Chris Collier led the visiting Lions (4-9, 1-2) with 12 points.

The Excel boys (8-8, 4-0) play another region game Saturday night at Unity Christian of Rome. The tip is scheduled for 6 p.m.

PRAISE ACADEMY GIRLS 57, EXCEL CHRISTIAN GIRLS 27

Olivia Barrow led the Lady Lions (1-7, 1-2) with 16 points and Chae Viera scored 19 to pace Excel Christian (0-10, 0-3)

The Lady Eagles have a 4:30 p.m. tip Saturday at Unity Christian in Rome.