By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
The Atmore Christian Rams basketball team hosted the Atmore Classic Basketball Tournament last Thursday, November 21, at Atmore Christian School.
The Rams enjoyed back-to-back wins during the tournament, defeating Temple Christian Academy of Gulfport, Miss. 56-42, and following that up with a 64-40 win over Central Baptist School of Hattiesburg, Miss.
Standout players Jadon Torres and Caeden Battles did the bulk of the scoring for Atmore Christian in the first game. Torres scored 20 points; Battles notched 16.
During the first half of the first game, the Rams made only seven of 36 shooting attempts, with only one three-pointer, but still held a 28-18 lead.
“The shots that were made certainly doesn’t reflect on the scoreboard,” ACS head coach Tim Battles said. “With only seven of 36 shots being made, you wouldn’t think that you would be in command.”
During the second half of that game, Battles pushed his players to continue their strong play, and the Rams walked away with the victory.
In their second contest, the Rams picked up right where they had left off.
The team of Caeden Battles and Torres continued the scoring strike. Torres totaled 17 points, Battles 16, and Emmett Battles added 9 points, all coming from three-point range.
“I told the guys to continue what they were doing from the first game, and they did not disappoint,” Battles said. “They executed the game plan perfectly.”
ACS held a commanding 34-16 lead at the half, including a 31-point run, and the Rams took the tournament win.
ACS will enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday week off, but Battles stressed that each Rams team member has been handed a workout plan. ACS will resume play when the Rams host East Hill on Thursday, December 3, at 5 p.m.
“I have asked the guys to stick to a workout plan,” he said. “If they can get their hands on a ball, we will be in good shape, but it is always scary when playing after the holidays. I have faith in my young men, and I am excited to see where we will go this season.”