DASHER — The Georgia Christian Generals boys team put on a show Tuesday night, with passion coming from the court and the stands. The Generals faced off against Highland Christian Academy Eagles, resulting in standout games from the boys and the girls. The girls won their game 40-29, while the boys lost theirs in overtime 63-57.
GCS 40, HCA 29
The Lady Generals game started with a drive into the paint for a layup from the Generals’ Maddie Mira. Georgia Christian played a very aggressive and close game all night, constantly playing in the paint and racking up points. The first period ended 8-6, with the game slowing down heavily in the second.
Throughout the second period, points were scarce, with both teams prioritizing defense and ball movement. The score at halftime was 12-8 for the Georgia Christian; however, the Lady Generals’ offense would be unstoppable in the third period.
Returning to playing aggressively in the paint, the Lady Generals racked up 21 points. The Generals’ Jaya Guilliams and Masie Kinsey tore up the Eagles’ defense, while their offense could not score for two minutes of the third period, ending the quarter, 33-16.
The Lady Eagles attempted a comeback, putting significant points on the board, while the Lady Generals shifted their focus to defense. Ultimately, the Generals would take the game 40-29, making their overall record 2-1.
HCA 63, GCS 57 (OT)
The Generals’ Tanner Rayfield started the game with a rebound, followed by a three from teammate Briceton Gaines. Highland’s shooting started strong with three three-pointers back-to-back to secure a lead. Georgia Christians caught up with great plays in the paint and a three-pointer from Benji Galindo, ending the first period tied 11-11.
The Eagles continued to shoot well, focusing on ball movement and three-pointers to stay ahead. Galindo scored nearly all points in the second period for the Generals; however, the Eagles began getting ahead with the second period ending 26-21.
Two three-pointers from the Eagles started the period. The Generals began to catch up, passing the ball more in the second half. Galindo’s two three-pointers and four points from Rayfield’s free throws helped get the game to tie 34-34. For three minutes, neither team could score. The third period ended 36-35 for the Eagles.
The fourth period began with the Generals unable to score for three minutes while the Eagles began to take off again. However, excellent plays from Galindo and Rayfield would start to turn the game around., with every basket erupting the crowd for both sides.
The stands were at their loudest with one minute left in the period with the Generals down two. As the buzzer sounded, Gaines would run into the paint for a layup to tie up the game 52-52.
The Eagles would start overtime with a nine-point lead, and the Generals could not catch up as the game ended 63-57. The boys start their season off with a hard-fought game. The Generals and Lady Generals return Friday to face the Brookwood Warriors in Thomasville.