By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP
Advance Managing Editor
The Escambia Academy Cougars upset defending 3A state champions Kingwood Christian School 70-64 and came within one point of toppling a final four Fort Dale Academy team during the Fort Dale Academy Thanksgiving Classic.
On Friday, the Cougars fell behind early to FDA. But, EA battled back and were on the verge of tying the game when the clock stopped their progress with the score 63-62.
Fort Dale took a 30-16 lead after one period and stretched it to a nine-point lead, 34-25, by the half. But, the Cougars clawed back in the third period as they outscored FDA 16-10 to cut the lead to 44-41. They continued to cut the lead in the final period, but time was not on their side.
Head coach Chad Prewett said the contest was a good experience for his team.
Prewett said it was EA's defensive efforts that gave their team a chance to come back.
Leading scorers in the contest for EA were Justin Shirley with 20, Daniel Alaniz with 15 and Josh Davis scored 10.
The competition didn't get any easier in the consolation game played on Saturday as the Cougars were matched against defending 3A state champs – Kingwood Christian School.
This game required a comeback as EA found themselves down 18-12 by the end of the first period. But, the second period was all EA as they outscored Kingwood 21-12 to take a 33-30 halftime lead. They built on that lead in the third to take a 54-41 advantage.
Prewett said his offense played much better against Kingwood than in the previous contest with FDA.
Prewett said it was good to see EA come out of the tourney with one victory over a defending state champ and another close game against another good school.
Alaniz was named to the All-Tournament Team for his performance in the tournament. He led the Cougars in scoring in the second game with 25. Shirley finished with 20 and David Daniel had nine.
The Cougars travel to Autauga Academy on Thursday.