By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Gage Gades scored 25 points to lead Atmore Christian School past Alethia, 76-62 in overtime, during the first round of the Panhandle Christian Conference West Region Championships in Robertsdale, but that was to be the team’s last hurrah.
Gades scored the bulk of his points during the overtime period of the contest, played last Friday, February 7.
Gades scored 12 points during the overtime period, and senior Drew Shelly, who added seven points in the extra period, wound up with 11.
Caden Battles scored 13, Reese White and Jadon Torres had eight each and Titus Dean scored seven points.
After surviving the first round, the Rams faced off against S.L. Jones later in the day for round two, falling short, 84-29.
Shelly topped the scoring for ACS during that contest. Caden Battles followed with seven points, while Gades, White, Emmett Battles and Torres all had three apiece.
The Rams finished the season with a record of 10-12.
Despite the rough finish, ACS head coach Tim Battles was happy with his team’s overall performance during the season.
“Alethia and S.L. Jones played tough games,” Battles said. “S.L. Jones had a player return after being injured that gained 25 points on us. He had a great night and was hitting every shot that he took. It was a tough loss, but we played a great game.”
Battles added that the Rams won most of the big games that were on their radar.
Battles said that the highlight of the season for ACS was on Senior Night a few weeks ago against Central Christian, who had defeated the Rams earlier this season.
On that night ACS earned their revenge with a 68-58 victory.
“We have had several kids that have performed well for us during the season,” said Battles. “Four seniors will depart the Rams basketball team upon graduation. Torres and Shelly will be lost, but we have other key guys that will be back. That gives us promise, and these guys will grow over the summer.”
Torres and Caeden Battles were named All-Conference players for ACS.