Excel Christian Eagles advance to GAPPS Final Four

The Excel Christian Academy boys basketball team earned its spot in the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools (GAPPS) Final Four Saturday night with a 76-44 win over Horizon Christian Academy of Cumming at the JH Morgan Gym in Cartersville.

The Eagles, who carried a 36-16 lead to the locker room at halftime, led by as many as 29 points in the third quarter and continued to pull away in the fourth for a 32-point quarterfinal win.

Kyron McClendon scored 27 points to pace the Eagles. Jacob Taylor followed with 21 points and Jakaden Barkley contributed 19 in the victory.

The Warriors (12-9) were led by Isaac Bealer with 20 points and Evan Holcombe with 13.

Excel (19-8) will face Central Christian of Sharpsburg (16-7) in the state semifinals next Thursday, February 23 at 4:30 p.m. at Rock Springs Christian Academy in Milner.

The ECA/Central winner will play the Trinity Prep/Unity Christian winner for the GAPPS state title Saturday, February 25 at Ace Academy in Macon.