It was business as usual for the Columbia Academy Lady Cougars Wednesday evening in the first round of the South State Tournament as they secured a berth in Class 3A Tournament next week and advanced to the semifinals with a blowout victory.
Winners of 21 of their last 22 games, the Lady Cougars (24-8) smothered Canton Academy defensively, forcing turnovers on nearly every other possession, and dominated in transition to pick up a 62-19 win. Columbia Academy consistently used its length and quickness to get in passing lanes and deflect passes and showed off its superb outlet passing to get down the floor quickly.
“Canton hasn’t gotten to play many games and was under the Covid protocol most of the year. They really were behind, and we just had them outmatched,” head coach Dale Watts said.
Peyton McCain rarely missed to score a game-high 17 points, Macey Jones dominated the paint to put up 13 points, five blocks and four rebounds and Peyton Rowley added 13 points and seven boards.
In the South State semifinals, Columbia Academy played Lamar Christian Friday afternoon, but results were unavailable at press time. On Thursday Watts said Lamar Christian has really improved throughout the year, and it is really hard to beat a team four times.
Watts predicted the Lady Cougars would also have to play another team for a fourth time in the South State title game Saturday afternoon, expecting Bowling Green to join them in the finals.
“The more you play people, the more they know you. Those coaches are good coaches, so our girls are really going to have a challenge,” he said.
The championship game is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday should CA beat Lamar Christian. If the Lady Cougars get upset by Lamar Christian, they would play in the consolation game at 1 p.m.
