The Grace Christian boys basketball team finished the season on a high note, winning its last eight games for a 17-5 record. That streak included four wins for the championship of its own tournament.
“I'm super pleased the way they played this year,” said coach Bobby Bowman. “They played hard. They never quit.”
He pointed out that the Eagles trailed at halftime in all four of their tournament wins.
The success came despite having to replace four starters from a year ago. “We beat a team (Jackson Victory) that we had never beaten before,” Bowman said.
Grace Christian averaged 57.6 points, led by junior Alex Taylor with an 18.6 average. The other five key players are seniors – Clay Crowder, Ladarius King, Jamal Kelly, Max Hudson and Elijah Caudill.
The girls team finished 1-6 in the first year that Grace Christian had a team. Because of a late start, the Lady Eagles only played seven games.
“Next year, we will be able to schedule a lot more games,” said Bowman, who coaches both teams.
Grace Christian had a very young team, with two junior, a sophomore, two freshman and an eighth grader comprising the top six, and Bowman was pleased with their progress.
Junior Tamia Brewer was the leading scorer at 7.6 per game. Others players were eighth grader Carley Peterson, junior Lydia Palmer, sophomore Caroline Robbins, freshman Jasmine Kelly and freshman Belle Hudson.
Bowman is hoping for some reinforcements from within the school. “We have some pretty good athletes here, girls that did not play. Maybe this will spur them. Maybe some of them will play next year.”
