Lions in Final Four
MACA to face rival Jubilee in semi-finals
By Jane Teasley

The Lions' defense clamps down in the post.

The Mountain Area Christian Academy's Varsity Boys' Team advanced to the semi-finals of the Georgia Christian Athletic Association state championships by beating Grace Christian of Fayetteville 64-61 last Friday evening.

The game was a back-andforth contest, as both teams built leads only to see the other team come back.

Grace had the early lead but the Lions would not give up. MACA took the lead in the third quarter and built it to a nine point lead early in the fourth. However, Grace would not give up and closed the gap to three points. Near the end of the game, Grace stole a pass and took a desperation shot that rimmed the basket, falling out at the buzzer.

Joey Danek led the scoring for the Lions with 29 points. Three others scored in double figures - Steven Vecchio had 14 while Philip Kight and Jonathan Hemby chipped in 10 points each. As a team, the Lions made 18 of 22 free throws, which was the difference in the game.

"We beat a very good team," Coach Steve Shamblin said. "Grace was certainly the quickest team we've played all year. It took a total team effort to win. I am very proud of the way every one of our players played."

MACA's next game will be against Jubilee Christian of Gainesville at Bible Baptist Christian School in Hampton on Friday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.

During the regular season, MACA split games with Jubilee with each team winning at home. If the Lions win on Friday, they will play for the State Championship at Peoples Christian in Hampton on Saturday at approximately 3:00 p.m.