By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Atmore Christian School’s Rams received a rare treat, traveling hundreds of miles to take part in the Rosedale Invitational Tournament in Plain City, Ohio.
Following a long bus ride, the Rams squared off last Thursday, January 30, against Galilean Christian Academy, a small school from Kentucky. The Rams fell 63-49 in that contest.
“In my more than 20 years of coaching experience, I have never seen a team this athletic,” ACS head coach Tim Battles said of Galilean. “The guys handled them well, and this was a much-needed experience for us.”
Caeden Battles scored 15 points to lead the Rams; Emmett Battles got 9, Gage Gades 7, Paxton Hobbs 6 and Jadon Torres rounded out the scoring with two points.
Following last Thursday’s loss, ACS defeated Ohio’s Royalmont Academy, 66-54, last Friday, January 31.
Caeden Battles was one of four Rams to hit double figures. He put up 17, while Gades struck for 14, and Torres and Emmett Battles scored 10 each. Reese White (8 points), Titus Dean (3), Jace Weber (2) and Drew Shelly (1) rounded out the scoring.
During the last day of the tournament — Saturday, February 1 — the Rams fell 58-43 to Cristo Rey Columbus High School.
Caeden Battles scored 22 points to lead the way again, while Emmett Battles (8), White and Gades (4 each), Dean (3) and Shelly (2) rounded out the ACS scoring.
“The guys had a great trip,” Battles said. “We had a ton of fun, and it was nice to get away and have the experience against other teams. The team took a lot from this trip, including fellowship with each other and other schools. The guys were completed on their fierce play and the motivation of which they each have in themselves. This trip was worth every mile, and we can’t wait to attend again.”
The Rams finished out the regular season with a 9-11 record and will take part in the Panhandle Christian Conference West Region Championship Tournament in Robertsdale this Friday, January 7.
ACS will first face off against Alethia on Friday at 1:30 p.m. If ACS defeats Alethia, the Rams will move on to face S.L. Jones later Friday night.
“We have to win both games to extend our season,” Battles said. “If we defeat both schools, we will move onto the Panhandle Christian Conference Final 4. If we lose either, our season is over.”