Christian Academy knocks off state champion Spartanburg Day; moves on in SCISA playoffs

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Christian Academy earned its spot in the SCISA 3A semifinal Monday after beating defending 2A SCISA champion Spartanburg Day in a 47-44 nail-biter.

“Our goal is to go and make it to the state championship and win it,” said Saints head coach Marion Busby. “For us to win a close one like this... it's great to go be on the winning side.”

It was a balanced scoring effort for the Saints with all six players who scored hitting multiple baskets. Guard Brayden Hendrix led the team with 12 points, all of which came in the second half.

Forward Xander Fairbanks scored 11 and grabbed nine rebounds, providing a spark for the Saints in the first half.

The Game was a back-and-forth battle the whole way. Both teams played physically and fast to try and pull ahead. Ultimately, neither team gained separation until the final buzzer.

“We knew it was gonna be 32 minutes,” Busby said. “We went wire to the wire. So I'm just proud of my boys.”

Christian Academy held the lead early in the game, up 11-10 at the end of the first quarter. However, Spartanburg Day held the lead for the majority of the game.

The Griffins started the second quarter on an 8-0 run, to build the game's biggest lead at seven.

“They ran their set plays, and I told my team their set plays were good, and they’re going run it to perfection, and they got it into the big guy,” Busby said. “You know, when he's 6-foot-9, our tallest player is 6-foot-4. It's tough.”

Spartanburg’s center James Liollio is listed as 6-feet 8-inches. He was dominant inside the paint for the Griffins scoring 12 for his team and grabbing a number of rebounds.

Christian Academy tied the game two and a half minutes into the third quarter, but the Griffins retook the lead and held it going into the fourth.

Whenever Spartanburg would build a multiple-possession lead, the Saints would respond by hitting a timely three.

Up one point heading into the final quarter, the Griffins were holding on for dear life. However, the pressure from Christian Academy was too much.

Forward Ke'Shaun Wright got into the paint and hit a tough floater to give the Saints their first lead since the opening quarter with three and a half minutes left to go in the game.

The game was tied twice more, but the Griffins never reclaimed the lead. With just over a minute left they resorted to the foul game.

“Free throws have been our achilles heel all year,” Busby said. “ They almost bit us in the butt just then.”

The Saints struggled from the line all game, going 3-8. However, they made just enough to survive and advance.

“I'm just glad we were able to make it and get some couple key stops,” Busby said. “I don't care if we win by half point, as long as we win.”

Guard Payne Wood led the Griffins in scoring with 16 points. Senior Caleb Banks scored 10 points. Two other Griffins players scored three points apiece.

The loss puts Spartanburg’s final record at (10-11). Despite being under .500 overall, the Griffins had a solid outing in region play going (5-3).

Christian Academy improves to (19-8) to continue an impressive season, which saw them go (8-0) in region play.

The Saints' next game will be Wednesday in the Lower State championship game against Hilton Head Prep for a shot at a spot in the SCISA 3A championship game.

“Last couple years we've been knocked out on the first or the second round,” Busby said. “Being able to go to the semis is a blessing.”