Eagles take PCC runner-up trophy

Bayshore girls close season with Panhandle Conference championship finale

Tony Whitehead, GCM Sports
Posted 2/20/18

The Bayshore Christian Eagles advanced to the championship of the Panhandle Christian Conference basketball tournament hosted by Central Christian School Saturday...

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get the gift of local news. All subscriptions 50% off for a limited time!

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

Eagles take PCC runner-up trophy

Bayshore girls close season with Panhandle Conference championship finale

Posted

ROBERTSDALE, Ala. – The Bayshore Christian Eagles advanced to the championship of the Panhandle Christian Conference basketball tournament hosted by Central Christian School Saturday in Robertsdale. The Lady Eagles led West Florida Baptist most of the game, but fell 44 – 41 after the Conquerors’ final fourth-quarter rally. Bayshore coach Tracy Sexton was proud of his team’s efforts, especially with such a limited bench of three and an injured player unable to play.

“They really had a great work ethic coming into the season and I think that translated into a great season, even if we didn’t win that last game,” he said. “They made the commitment early on that we were going to make it to the final four and they put in the time and effort to make it happen.”

Much of that took preparation and conditioning he said.

“I knew it would be a challenge with such a short bench. It meant everybody would have to be in top shape and we would have to be disciplined and stay out of foul trouble. They bought into the plan and worked hard all season and made it happen.”

Lillian Krueger led the Eagles with 11 points in the title game and 24 in the semifinal win over Calvary Christian. Breana Chastang added nine in the final and nine in the semis while Elyse Hayes scored seven in the final and Peyton Sexton had seven against Calvary. West Florida’s Ayana Kelker was named the tournament MVP.

“Just so proud of them. With only eight players dressed out, two seniors, one junior and younger including an eighth grader and got it done,” coach Sexton said. “I just wished they could have finished with the championship. But the goal was to get here and had to beat some good teams like Light House in the division championship just to get to the final four and they did and then beat a very good Calvary Christian team (in the semifinal) to make the championship. But credit West Florida for never giving up and making a good run at the end.”

The Eagles will compete in the Alabama High School Athletic Association beginning in the fall of this year.

“We will be young still, but we have some good players coming up and hope we can be ready to compete in the state association next season,” he said.