Asheville Christian Academy women's basketball picks up win over Knoxville Catholic

Lions improve to 3-1

Jonathan Bennett
The Valley Echo
November 30, 2020

Before the Thanksgiving holiday, the basketball teams from Asheville Christian Academy traveled to Knoxville to take on the Irish of Knoxville Catholic. 

The women’s team entered the contest with two consecutive blowout wins but the Irish posed a tougher test.

The Lions jumped out to a 14-9 first-quarter advantage but Knoxville Catholic responded in the second quarter pulling within one point of the Lions, 26-25, at the halftime break. The Irish took a 34-32 lead midway through the third quarter but three-pointers by ACA’s Emma Larios and Nandhi Smith pushed the Lions to a lead they would not relinquish. An impressive defensive performance by the Lions in the fourth quarter prevented the Irish from making a late push and helped propel ACA to the 49-40 victory.

ACA was led by Smith who scored 15 points, followed by Katie Alexander who added 12.  Elizabeth Harrington scored nine points and Emma Larios finished with eight points. The victory moved the Lions to 3-1 on the young season.

Playing without two starters for the third game in a row, the ACA men’s team got off to a good start but could not overcome the defending Tennessee state champion, Knoxville Catholic. 

The Irish proved just a bucket or two better in each quarter and outpaced the Lions 62-51. The Lions were led by Max Rogers who scored 21 points. Collin Mills added 9 points, Chris Harris scored 8 and Christian Andrews chipped in 6 in the losing effort.  The loss drops the Lions record to 0-6 overall.

Both boys and girls clubs face off against Rabun Gap School and Forsyth Country Day this week. 

For more information about Asheville Christian Academy visit www.ashevillechristian.org. For up to date scores and schedules follow the Lions on Twitter @ACAAthletics or online at the ACA MaxPreps page.