Amelia Academy Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Teams Sweep 3-Point Marketing Tournament
By Frank Shanaberger
2010, Dec 6
Varsity Girls’ Basketball
The Amelia Academy Girls’ Varsity team started off the season by claiming the 3-Point Marketing Basketball Tournament in convincing fashion, outscoring the opponent by an average of 77-20. In its fifteen year, the regional tournament, hosted by Amelia Academy, was held December 4-5.
The Lady Patriots defeated Salem Christian 74-18 in the first round. A 20-2 run at the start of the game set the tone for typical Lady Patriot play throughout the tournament. Junior Amara E. led the way with 18 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Sophomore Kristyn C. had 12 points, and senior Lexi P. and junior Lauren V. had 11 points each. Lexi also had 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals, while Lauren had 8 rebounds. Senior Nina B. was the other Lady Patriot in double figures with 10 points.
In the semifinals against West End Christian, AA jumped out to a 32-4 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. Kristyn led the way with 20 points, including 4 three-point shots. Lauren had 18 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Amara had 16 points, 15 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists. Sophomore Darlene H. had 6 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals.
Richmond Spirit Homeschool stayed with the Lady Patriots for about four minutes in the finals before AA kicked it into gear and closed out the first quarter ahead 23-11. They continued their transition attack with a 31-2 run to close out the half with a 54-13 lead. Amara was the leading scorer with 23 points, including 4 three-point shots. She also had 14 rebounds, 7 steals and 2 assists. Lauren had 14 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Lexi had 11 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Junior Dasha S. had 8 points and 3 steals.
Coach Frank Shanaberger said, “It is always nice to win a tip-off tournament to start the season. It also is nice to get a few games under our belt before we start our conference play. All of the girls got plenty of playing time, and we were able to work on all facets of the game. Hopefully, we can continue this momentum in the VCC.”
Amara was named MVP of the tournament; she averaged 19 points, 13.7 rebounds, 5.3 steals and 3.3 assists. Lexi (9.3 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals), Lauren (14.3 points, 10 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2 blocks) and Kristyn (13 point average) were named to the all-tournament team.
The Lady Patriots (3-0) will kick off their VCC season at home against Blessed Sacrament on Monday at 7 p.m. following the junior varsity girls’ game at 6 p.m.
Varsity Boys’ Basketball
The Amelia Academy Boys basketball team put together back-to-back wins to capture the 3-Point Marketing Tournament title on Saturday, Dec. 4. After receiving a first-round bye due to a school dropping out of the tournament, the Patriots easily took care of West End Christian on Friday by a score of 84-26. All ten players scored in the game in which the Patriots led 27-7 after one quarter and 45-14 at the half.
Senior Jan Z. led the way with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Also in double figures were junior Jacob H., with 13 points; senior Trevor M., with 12 points; senior Bob A., with 11 points; and junior Austin A., with 10 points.
The Patriots faced a much tougher challenge in the finals against Central Virginia Home School Athletic Association (CVHS). A back-and-forth first quarter saw AA pull ahead for a 20-13 lead. They extended the lead to 36-27 at the half. CVHS tried to make some runs in the second half but could get no closer than seven points.
The Patriots won the tournament by a score of 71-57. Jacob led the way with 22 points, including 4 three-pointers. Jan had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 steals. Freshman Reid J. had 15 points, 7 assists and 4 steals and Trevor had 12 points.
Coach Chaz Starnes said, “We are getting better each game. There are minor issues that need to be worked out, but that comes by just getting more court time. I am encouraged by our progress. As long as each player accepts their role on the team, we will be successful. I think our synergy is key to what we can accomplish.”
Jan was named Most Valuable Player for the tournament. Jacob, Trevor and Reid were named to the all-tournament team. Reid also received the sportsmanship award. The Patriots (2-2) will be in action this week as they travel to Blessed Sacrament Tuesday before hosting Richmond Christian on Friday.