With a 29-point win in the Class 3A state quarterfinals Wednesday, the Cougars are one win away from reaching the state championship.
Columbia Academy (33-2) annihilated Lee Academy from start to finish behind strong performances by Ras Pace, Tate Duncan and Cody Fortenberry, winning 74-45.
“They had a real big team, but they were a little bit slow. So we were able to get out in transition pretty good in the first half. Then to start the second half we pressed them after a free throw and got three straight turnovers for a six-point turnaround,” head coach Dale Watts said. “Really the full-court game either in offensive transition or defensive pressure is what decided the game.”
The Cougars faced off against Marshall Academy Friday night at Canton Academy, but results were unavailable at press time.
Marshall took care of Riverfield Academy, who CA beat 62-39 in the south state tournament, on Tuesday with a 61-51 victory.
“Marshall and Clinton Christian are a lot alike,” Watts said Thursday. “Both are extremely quick, but Marshall is better than Clinton Christian. We have some size on them, and hopefully we’ll be able to capitalize on that with the inside game with Tate. They are a run-and-shoot team with a lot of defensive pressure and full-court speed.”
With a win over Marshall, Columbia Academy would face either Carroll Academy (north state champ) or Oak Hill Academy (north No. 3) Saturday night at 7:15 for the 3A state championship.
Carroll bested Bowling Green, a team CA beat three times this year by an average of 21 points, in a barnburner 59-57 Tuesday night. Oak Hill topped Clinton Christian, who the Cougars beat 59-44 in the south state championship, Wednesday 39-37 in a slow-pace game.
Pace set the tempo for the Cougars against Lee with 27 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Duncan stayed in line with his season averages with 20 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Fortenberry contributed 12 points and five boards.
Pictured Above: Columbia Academy seniors Ethan Stringer and Ras Pace celebrate winning the south state championship Saturday at Lamar Christian. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
