Excel Eagles advance to the GAPPS Final Four

February 14, 2026

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com

The Excel Christian Academy boys’ basketball team advanced to the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools (GAPPS) Final Four by defeating the Alleluia Community Angels on Friday night in Emerson, 87-75, in the state quarterfinals.

The defending state champions and host Eagles led 27-23 after one quarter and 47-42 at halftime, before extending the advantage to 74-61 in the third quarter.

Mason McKinney led four Eagles in double figures with 21 points. Mier Bell finished with 18. Damir McBride posted 17 points, and Aston Chappell added 11 in the win.

Alleluia Community of Augusta was led by Evan Laddbush with 26 points, including eight made three-pointers.

ECA advanced to the GAPPS Final Four on Tuesday at Gordon State College in Barnesville. The Eagles will square off with Sugar Hill Christian Academy of Gwinnett County at 4 p.m. The other state semifinal will feature Praise Academy of Powder Springs against Promise Prep Academy of Dawsonville at 1:30 p.m., also at Gordon State College.

The two state semifinal winners will play for the GAPPS Class A state championship at Gordon State on Saturday, February 21, at 1:30 p.m.