By By Lindsey Sherrill
Staff Writer
The Escambia Academy Cougars faced the Autauga Academy Generals on Saturday night in the final round of the EA New Year's Eve Classic Basketball Tournament, sponsored by United Bank. They came away with a 59-48 victory in a game that was very close until the final seconds.
Coach Chad Prewett said he was excited about his team's performance in the tournament. "This was a big win. I think it will go a long way for us at the end of the year."
Chris Moore led the scoring for EA with 17 points and two rebounds. Moore made three three-point baskets and 8-of-10 free throws. Following Moore in scoring was Robert Hardy with 13 points and seven rebounds and Zack Smith who had 13 points and five rebounds. Jace Beasley scored 10 points and four rebounds; David Daniel had four points and four rebounds; and Cole Norton had two points and four rebounds.
The Generals stayed close throughout the contest, matching EA basket for basket for most of the game, but failed to capitalize at key times in the contest.
"I'm real proud of my kids for putting forth a tremendous effort throughout the game," Generals Head Coach Harold Gaines said. "One of our starters turned his ankle earlier and we don't have much bench depth. If we hadn't had so many turnovers we would have been in it until the end. We've enjoyed this tournament. EA treats us real well."
Most valuable individual awards for the tournament were given to Andrew Folmar of Pike Liberal Arts Academy, Michael Riggs of Wilcox Academy, Chris Lentin and John Glascock of Autuaga Academy and Jace Beasley and Zack Smith of Escambia Academy. Chris Moore of EA was named tournament Most Valuable Player. Pike Liberal Arts Academy was named 1st Runner up while Coach Chad Prewett and the EA Cougars were named tournament champions.
The Cougars played Tuesday night. The results of that contest were unavailable as of press time.
Escambia Academy will take on Calvary Christian on Friday, then face Taylor Road Academy Saturday in a contest on the road.