With a first-round win in the Class 3A Tournament Tuesday, the Columbia Academy Lady Cougars are one step closer to a state title.
The Lady Cougars (27-8), who have won 24 of their last 25 games, took care of business against the host school, beating Oak Hill Academy 60-28 in West Point.
“They made some nervous mistakes and things like that, but we settled down and started doing the things we do best, built ourselves a lead and did a good job of maintaining it,” head coach Dale Watts said.
Columbia Academy dominated the paint throughout with Macey Jones’ 26 points and eight rebounds leading the way. Peyton McCain was a Swiss army knife with her inside-out game, adding 17 points and nine boards. Olivia Adams and Lauren McDaniel contributed on the glass as well with 10 and nine rebounds, respectively.
“The girls did a good job of getting the ball to Macey, and Macey did a good job of finishing around the basket,” Watts said. “Technically we only assign assists between the passer and shooter, but the girls did a good job getting the ball to Macey at the right time in the right spot.”
For the fourth time this season, the Lady Cougars played Bowling Green Friday afternoon, but this time a trip to the state championship was on the line. Results were unavailable at press time, but Watts said prior to the game it was going to be a tough challenge.
“I feel like we’re the better team, but when you get to playing somebody this many times you just have to be prepared for everything,’” he said.
In the previous three meetings — all CA wins — the Lady Cougars won by one, three and four points.
Columbia Academy will play either Kirk Academy or Clinton Christian Saturday in either the championship or consolation game. The championship is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., while the consolation game is at 1 p.m.
