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After originally being rescheduled for a Feb. 6 date the Grace Christian Cougars (8-12, 4-2) stayed well prepared, defeating the Fullington Academy Trojans 60-41 last Friday, in arguably the most complete game for Chris Williams’ group all season putting them in second place in GIAA A Region three play. 

“Throughout the days we were able to get extra shots up in the gym, stay prepared,” Williams said. “I just kept talking to them, kept them in high spirits, saying ‘we’re going to get this win back.’” He continued, “When I was working, Coach Dre (Deandre Smith) stepped in during practice and shootaround with them, it was a big part of it, staying prepared.” 

No. 5 senior Cade Wells spearheaded the Cougars with 15 points, eight rebounds, and six steals, boasting an impressive 64 percent shooting from the field. Meanwhile, No. 12 Owen Earnest contributed 12 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and two steals. No. 10 Keith Eidson had an impressive plus/minus +21 11 points, seven rebounds, five steals, and two blocks. No. 2 Luke Boyett had an exceptional all-around display, scoring nine points, securing five rebounds, five blocks, and four assists. No. 20 Dawson Worsley and No. 22 Jacob Elkins scored seven and six points respectively, shooting above 50 percent. 

“Cade was the motor that night,” Williams said. “He played both sides of the floor with a high intensity, if I can get everybody to play like that on both sides of the court, we’ll be unbeatable.” 

The Cougars shot an impressive 45 percent from the field, converting 25 of their 55 attempts. They won the critical rebounding battle 28-27 and racked up a total of 14 steals for the night, showcasing their relentless defensive pressure. 

“They got us the first game when we lost to them by ten. We made a comeback and we’re only down by two back in early January,” Williams said. “That was a great win for us though, on Friday.” 

The significance of these games cannot be overstated, with two crucial region matchups on the horizon. The Cougars visited Crisp Academy on Tuesday winning 52-44, with their last encounter being decided in the final moments, and face-off against Westwood, who narrowly defeated them by seven points earlier this month. These rematches are pivotal, and one word captures their essence perfectly: consistency. 

“The tone I’m trying to set is to stay consistent,” Williams said. “Once we get up, let’s control the game, and let’s make the opposition panic.” 

With the season sweep over Crisp Academy, the Cougars sit firmly in second place at 4-2 in Region three play. Earnest led the Cougars in scoring with 15-points, four steals, and six critical assists.  Boyett and Wells had nine points each. Wells secured seven rebounds. Elkins finished with eight points, three rebounds and assists. Worsley had a team-high plus/minus +14 on seven points, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Eidson totaled four points and a team-high nine rebounds.

The GCA Cougars compiled 16 steals a recipe for victory, this year for Williams group.

When the Westwood Wildcats come to town this Friday, the Cougars, Lady Cougars, and Cheer team will celebrate Senior Night, in-between the girls’ and boys’ varsity games. The game will tipoff at 7:30 p.m. for the varsity boys. 

A win and a season-split against Westover would put GCA tied for first place in Region three play.