The 2020/2021 basketball season opened Monday night as Alabama Christian hit the road to play long time foe, Holtville. The schools first met in December of 1967 and ACA holds a 38-35 advantage in the series. With potentially three starters still playing football, the Eagles would be shorthanded against the Bulldogs. Holtville led by eleven points at the end of the first and the Eagles were never able to cut the lead to single digits over the final three quarters. Holtville would eventually win 62-42.
Caden Perry led the Eagles (0-1) in scoring with 13 points with 14 rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Braden Alford had a tough night from the field, but was 7 for 8 from the free throw line to finish with 12 points. Landon Hunton added eight points
The Lady Eagles (1-0) have dominated the series against Holtville over the years and have won all 30 of the previous contests played. The Lady Bulldogs have always struggled to score points against ACA and that trend continued in the season opener as the Eagles prevailed 54-21. ACA started slowly and held a slim 9-6 lead midway through the opening quarter, but the defense sparked a 26-6 run with full court pressure and the game was in hand by halftime. Five Lady Eagles made their varsity debuts against Holtville as Tia Coker, Ashlyn Harris, Lynleigh Stephen, Katelyn Sutton and Izzy Warrick all saw playing time on the night.
Katie Chappell led all scorers with 16 points and added six steals and three rebounds. Michaelyn Manning scored 13 points with five steals while Katelyn Sutton contributed 10 points with four steals. Sarah Johnson and Lynleigh Stephen each scored six points.
Both squads will play their home opener Tuesday night against Loachapoaka.