CLASS 4A GIRLS: St. James right at home in win over ACA
St. James topped Alabama Christian in Thursday’s Class 4A Southeast Regional semfinal at the Trojans’ gym.
By GRAHAM DUNN
St. James girls’ coach Katie Barton has been around long enough to have a feel for region play.
But Thursday was quite different.
“I’ve coached for 20 years and we’ve played in the regionals many times but this was unlike what we are used to,” she said.
The Class 4A Southeast Regional semifinal against Alabama Christian Academy would have been played at Garrett Coliseum under normal circumstances.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, the Lady Trojans got a chance to play in their home gym and that may have provided a spark in their 62-30 win over the Lady Eagles.
It was St. James’ third win over ACA this season, but this one was the least difficult.
“Yeah, it may have mattered,” Barton said. “But it was strange, still. We talked about staying focused and on the opponent in front of us.”
That focus along with ACA being in the giving mood helped St. James pull out to a big lead early and never look back.
“We didn’t execute well and when you get behind, you get frantic,” stated acting ACA coach Leah Hunt. “I think the pressure got to them. I preached the three ‘Cs’ before the game – confident, cool and calm. And we didn’t show that tonight.”
St. James created seven turnovers in the first four minutes of the game and led by 10 after a period. The advantage continued to grow in the second quarter, led by KK Hall and freshman Ava Card, who combined for 19 points in the first half. The Trojans built as much as a 15-point lead before the break.
“I like playing under pressure,” Card said, “but it was nice to get the lead early. We could relax a little and play our game.”
ACA’s struggles continued in the second half. The Lady Eagles were scoreless through the first six minutes of the third period and managed just four points.
St. James biggest lead reached 33 points at one point in the fourth and Barton was able to play everyone who dressed out.
“We had a close game against Straughn (in the Sub-regional win on Monday),” Barton said. “We led by three at halftime so this was the first time we were able to get a big lead early. It was a nice change.”
Card finished with 15 points while Hall added 14 for the Trojans, who improved to 19-7 for the season.
ACA was led by Michaelyn Manning’s 12 points. The Eagles finish 11-14 for the season.
St. James will face Geneva on Monday at Garrett Coliseum.