Cornerstone Basketball Makes History
By Kelsey Prose
The Cornerstone Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls basketball programs made history this year as they both competed in the Alabama Christian Athletic Association State Final Four Tournament in Oxford.
Cornerstone v/s Tuscaloosa Christian Academy
The varsity girls faced Tuscaloosa Christian Academy in the state semifinal game. The CCA girls led the entire game with a 27-14 halftime advantage. The CCA Eagles won the semifinal game 54-45 and advanced to the State Championship game.
Jaelin Monroe scored 11 points, Reagan Gatewood scored 11 points and 14 rebounds while Darby Culpepper brought in 10 points and 9 rebounds for the Eagles.
Cornerstone v/s Tabernacle Christian Academy
The Eagles played in the State Championship game against Tabernacle Christian Academy. The Eagles overcame a slow start and 14-8 deficit in the first quarter when they scored 14 points in the second quarter to take the 22-17 halftime lead. They continued to lead throughout the third quarter, but TCA’s seniors led them to a last second 34-32 victory over the Eagles.
CCA’s top scorers were Laura Beth Wells with 10 points and Darby Culpepper led with 5 rebounds. CCA placed runner-up and coach Heather Harrison was chosen as the ACAA Varsity Coach of the Year.
Harrison said that she is proud of their season and its accomplishments. “Our team has built a solid foundation and maturing in the game. This season has been unpredictable, and they’ve grown and adjusted well all season.”
Cornerstone v/s Clay County Christian and Adullam
The varsity boys made their first trip to the Final Four of the ACAA State Tournament as well. They defeated Clay County Christian 37-35 in the quarter finals to advance to the Final Four game. CCA faced Adullam in the semifinals, but trailed throughout the game. The Eagles were down 34-20 at halftime but chipped away at Adullam’s lead to only trail by 3 by the end of the third quarter. The Eagles continued to battle through the fourth quarter, but couldn’t make their way back. The Eagles lost 55-50 in the semifinals of the state tournament.
Jack Wagner led the Eagles with 13 points and 8 rebounds, Eli Carter scored 11 points and 7 rebounds, and Brady Peek brought in 8 points with 4 rebounds.
Coach Darren Carter said, “The boys have worked hard all season. They are self-motivated and love the game of basketball. They really bought into our theme this year of ‘walking by faith and not by sight.’ We couldn’t be any prouder of them and can’t wait for next season.”
Congratulations to the Cornerstone Christian Academy Eagles on such a great season!