By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
As the victories mounted for the Alamance Christian School boys’ basketball team this season, good vibes were all around.
“It has got a little feel to it,” veteran coach Jerry Bailey said.
The Warriors have mostly kept that going, becoming a 20-win team and advancing to the quarterfinals in the North Carolina Christian School Association’s Class 2-A state playoffs.
ACS has counted on a good blend of veterans and underclassmen.
“We knew halfway through the season we could go far,” forward Noah Curtsinger said.
The Warriors (20-3) are seeking their first state championship since 2019.
“They’re a really tight group and really pull for each other,” Bailey said. “It’s just a fun group.”
After a first-round bye, ACS overwhelmed visiting Cramerton Christian 59-36 on Friday night.
The ACS girls’ team also has reached the quarterfinals, defeating Cramerton Christian 47-40 on Friday. That squad holds a 10-7 record.
The ACS boys had it rolling at times against Cramerton Christian, building a 24-11 halftime lead and expanding that to 47-24 through three quarters.
“We’re a heavy defensive team,” guard Levi Beck said. “We’re passionate about our defense.”
Holden Yakola’s 14 points and seven rebounds led the Warriors, while Curtsinger posted 12 points and eight rebounds, and Garrett Brown and Beck both scored 11 points.
The inside-outside offensive combination for ACS can be difficult for opponents to deal with.
“When Levi hits those 3s, that helps a lot,” Bailey said.
Curtsinger and Yakola provide a solid tandem in the lane, giving the Warriors elements of size that might be envious for some teams.
“We know how to use our size,” said Curtsinger, who also drilled a 3-pointer in Friday night’s game.
It’s not a surprise that the Warriors have excelled.
“We brought back some experience,” Bailey said. “They have really worked hard.”
Beck, who’s in his second varsity season, and Curtsinger are the lone seniors on the roster.
“It’s definitely pretty cool to have a 20-win season,” Beck said. “I think it’s the coaching and our coaches, they really pour out a lot for us.”
ACS meets Wilmington Christian (18-10) at 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Triad Christian in Kernersville in the quarterfinals. The semifinals are Friday at the same location, while Saturday night’s finals are at Calvary Christian in King.
On the girls’ side, ACS will play the quarterfinal vs. Wilmington Christian at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Vandalia Christian in Greensboro before following the same venue assignments as the boys if they advance. Paul Burns is the ACS coach.
