Excel Christian boys overwhelm Crusaders to reach GAPPS title game

In their first season in GAPPS, Excel Christian will play for a state title on Saturday.

The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team pulled away from Central Christian (Sharpsburg) Thursday evening in the second half to defeat the Crusaders 75-54 and earn a spot in the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools (GAPPS) Class AA state championship game.

Thursday’s state semifinal action took place at Rock Springs Christian in Milner, Georgia.

Excel led 21-15 after one quarter and 35-25 at halftime. The Eagles then continued to extend their advantage in the second half leading 59-43 by the end of the third quarter in an eventual 21-point state semifinal win.

Kyron McClendon led Excel with 36 points which included making 15 of 16 free throw attempts. In total, the Eagles made 24 of 29 free throws as a team.

Jacob Taylor scored 11 points for ECA. Jakaden Barkley followed with 10. Comari Nettles finished with seven points. David Jinks contributed six and KP Profit added five points.

Rudy Steidinger led Central Christian with 18 points. Anthony Otero scored 15 for the Crusaders (17-8).

Excel Christian (20-8) advances to the GAPPS AA State Championship game Saturday at 2 p.m. at Ace Academy in Macon. The Eagles will face Trinity Prep (Loganville) in the state championship game. The Lions (21-6) beat Unity Christian School (Rome) 84-63 in the semifinals.