Top seeded ACA cruises in playoff win

Lady Lions roll past Hickory Grove Christian

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
February 19, 2021

The Asheville Christian Academy women’s basketball team will take on Arendell Parrott Academy in the semifinal round of the NCISAA 3A playoffs, following a convincing 53-21 victory at home over Hickory Grove Christian, Feb. 19.

The defending state champion and no. 1 seed Lady Lions pounced on Hickory Grove early, taking an 18-point lead into the half and opening the third quarter with 22-0 scoring run. Head coach John Williams and his team finished strong, setting up themselves up to host the Patriots on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Seven Lions scored against Hickory Grove, with sophomore Emma Larios leading the way with 14. Senior Nahndi Smith tallied 11 and sophomore Katy Alexander added 10.

The ACA women’s team won the first championship in program history in 2020, a season in which Smith led the team with 14.8 points per game.

To see photos of the Lions’ win over Hickory Grove, view the gallery below.