ACA basketball teams head to second round of NCISAA playoffs
Women to host Hickory Grove Friday, men travel to Concord Academy
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
February 17, 2021
ACA senior Nahndi Smith leads the Lions in scoring with 13.5 points per game heading into the top-seeded team’s Feb. 19 home playoff game against Hickory Grove Christian. Photo by Fred McCormick
Both Asheville Christian Academy varsity basketball programs are preparing for the second round of the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 3A state playoffs, Friday, Feb. 19, after the men opened the tournament with a 47-40 victory on the road against Asheville School.
The Lions earned a number 4 seed in the postseason bracket after finishing the regular season with an overall record of 8-16, and a 4-2 mark in the NCISAA Carolinas Conference, securing a share of the Carolinas Conference title.
The Blues came into the Feb. 16 contest as the co-conference champions with an identical 4-2 mark in league play. The game was close throughout, as ACA had a 1-point advantage to close the first quarter and expanded the lead to 7 by the half.
That difference was down to 5 at the end of the third quarter, but the Lions held on to advance. Head Coach Andy Ray and his team will tip off against the top-seeded Concord Academy Eagles, in Concord, at 6:30 p.m. this Friday.
ACA senior Collin Mills averaged 24 points per game to lead the Lions in scoring during the regular season. The team will travel to Concord Academy, Feb. 19, in the second round of the NCISAA 3A playoffs. Photo by Fred McCormick
The number 1 seeded ACA women’s team will take the court for the first time this postseason in a 5 p.m. tip-off at home, following a bye in the opening round. The Lions finished the regular season with an 11-7 overall mark and a perfect 4-0 record in conference play.
Head Coach John Williams and his team will host the Hickory Grove Christian, out of Charlotte. ACA beat Hickory Grove, 51-30, in the only regular season meeting of the two programs.
The Lions won the first state title in program history last year with a championship round victory over Concord Academy.