For the first time since 2012, the ACA girls team has won the Area championship and will host the sub-regional round of the playoffs after a 46-31 win over LAMP. Coach Mike Anderson could not be at the game due to health reasons, but the starters acknowledged him by waiving to him at home as they were announced. The game was close through the first half and ACA took its first lead of the game with a little over a minute remaining in the first period as Michaelyn Manning hit a pair of free throws for an 8-6 advantage. Manning picked up her second foul and went to the bench with 2:41 left in the second period with just a one point lead, but Sarah Johnson made two baskets and Cayla Schofield had a put back score down the stretch and ACA owned a 19-15 lead at the half. A tough night at the line allowed LAMP to stay close as Alabama Christian missed fourteen free throws in the first half. Manning scored the first four points of the third quarter to give the Lady Eagles a little breathing room and LAMP would never come closer than five points for the remainder of the game. ACA led 31-23 heading into the final period and watched as LAMP wore down as ACA outscored the Golden Tigers 15-8 in the fourth quarter for the 46-31 final.
Sarah Johnson shoots for two on an inbound play.
Tournament MVP, Michaelyn Manning led all scorers with 23 points and added seven rebounds. Katie Chappell had nine points, eight rebounds and six steals while Sarah Johnson added six points with seven rebounds and four steals. Chappell, Johnson and Heather Ford were each named to the All-tournament team.
The Lady Eagles will host Montevallo in the sub-regional round next Tuesday night.