Montgomery – The Warrior Academy Braves left their shooting touches in Eutaw to close out their season on the losing end. They were defeated by the Jefferson Christian Academy Eagles by the score of 57 – 45 in a semi-final match at the AISA State Basketball Tournament at Huntingdon College. Jefferson Christian advances to the final to go against MMI Thursday at 7:30pm. “We didn’t play our best tonight,” said Brave coach Rob Hall after the game, “we couldn’t make shots and we didn’t wake up from our drought until the final quarter. I got to give it to the Eagles though, they have a good club. We had a good year, I’m very proud of our kids”.

The Eagles, scored on their first three possessions of the game to close out the first quarter up 10, 17 – 7. R. Pearson of Jefferson Christian scored 11 points in the quarter. Warrior Academy were able to get as close as 4 late in the second quarter 21 – 17 with 2:33 showing on the clock. The Eagles went on an 8 – 1 run the rest of the way to end the first half with a 29 – 18 advantage.

In the second half Warrior Academy were able to get as close as 9 once in the third quarter and twice in the fourth quarter. Jefferson Christian never looked back the rest of the way, as they were able to score inside the paint most of the game.

R. Pearson led all scorers with 23 points and 9 rebounds for the Eagles. P. Sargent added 13. For the Braves Devon Manley dropped in 17 points and pulled down 8 rebounds.

Ivan Cade chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. Jamichael Thompson added 8 points. Warrior Academy ends its season with a record of 16 – 9.