Excel Christian wins GAPPS AA Region 1 title; Eagles to host state quarterfinal matchup
The Excel Christian Academy Eagles pulled away from Shiloh Hills Christian Thursday night with an 11-0 run to begin the second half and went on to a 66-45 win capturing the 2022-23 GAPPS AA Region 1 championship.
The Eagles, who were the No. 1-seed heading into this week’s tournament at Unity Christian School in Rome, finished the regular season and post-season play within Region 1 with an unblemished 12-0 mark.
Excel started well and led 23-10 by the end of the first quarter but the Challengers charged back into the game in the second quarter narrowing the Eagles’ lead to 34-27 at the intermission.
Excel’s early run in the third quarter and a steady offensive attack down the stretch enabled the Eagles to pull away for a convincing 21-point win.
Kyron McClendon scored a game-high 19 points to pace ECA. Jacob Taylor followed with 17 points. Jakaden Barkley scored 15 and Comari Nettles chipped in with 11. David Jinks and KP Profit rounded out the scoring by adding two points each.
Aidan Nemat and David Roque led Shiloh Hills Christian with nine points apiece.
Even with their loss, the Challengers (7-9) will advance to the GAPPS state tournament as the region runner-up.
Excel Christian (18-8) will enter the state tournament as a No. 1-seed and will host a state quarterfinal game on either February 17 or 18.
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