When we signed off at the end of the Dallas County article last week, we said the Eagles had nine days to figure out a way to slow down the Hornet’s best player. Monday night, AC Walters drew the primary defensive assignment with Levi Summers spelling him when needed. ACA didn’t stop him, but did cut his point production in half on their way to a 68-58 first round Area victory. The win guarantees the Eagles a spot in sub-regionals this weekend. It felt like spring today outside, but inside the MA gym it felt as humid and sticky as the middle of summer.
As the game started it didn’t matter who was shooting for the Hornets. Dallas County hit eight of its first ten shots to take a 21-13 lead after one. ACA didn’t shoot badly (6 for 13) in the period, Dallas County was just a little better. The second quarter was played evenly as the Eagles could get no closer than four points. At the end of the half, Connor Mark hit a three to cut the lead to one (29-30), but the Hornets hit one of their own at the buzzer for a 33-29 advantage at the break. Mark’s 15 points in the half led the offense.
The Hornets stretched the lead to seven points early in the third, but consecutive makes by Mac Moorer and a free throw by Jayden Jones cut the score to 37-38. ACA regained the lead for the first time since 2-0 as Jones found AC Walters for a basket and a 41-40 lead with 1:33 left in the third. The Eagles led 46-44 after three. Dallas County took the lead (49-48) only once in the final period as their team looked tired. Connor Mark scored on the next possession to get the lead back and ACA never trailed again. The Hornets did manage to tie the game, 54-54, with 4:05 left. However, ACA finished strong as they outscored their opponent 14-4 to close the game out. Four different players scored down the stretch as the Hornets could not focus on just one man.
Connor Mark led the team with 20 points, 15 in the first half, along with four rebounds. Jayden Jones had 15 points, 13 in the scond half, with four assists and three rebounds. Mac Moorer scored all 15 of his points in the second half as he also contributed three steals. Christian Snipes finished with 10 points and five rebounds. AC Walters was the team’s leading rebounder with six.
Alabama Christian will play MA for the Area Championship Wednesday, February 5th, at MA.