By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Atmore Christian School had a bittersweet end to the 2021-2022 regular basketball season during Senior Night Friday, February 4, when the team defeated Snook 58-26 during this season’s last home game.
The win marked the end of an era for Tim Battles, ACS’s head basketball coach and former headmaster. Earlier this year, Battles announced that after many years of coaching the Rams, he would be leaving ACS at the end of the season to pursue another opportunity.
Coach Battles was honored prior to Friday’s game with a basketball signed by many of the alumni whom he has coached over the years. In addition, Caeden Battles, who is the new record holder for the school’s most career points, leading scorer for the Rams and Tim Battles’ son, played his last home game in a Rams jersey as he was honored with fellow senior players Titus Dean and Gage Gades prior to Friday’s game.
The Rams made quick work of Snook, jumping out to an early 17-4 lead during the first period thanks to scoring from Caeden Battles, Gades, Dean and Emmett Battles.
During the next three periods, the Rams dominated on the court in front of a packed gym of parents, family, students and friends. Midway during the fourth period, play stopped as the three senior Rams exited the court for the final time. Each of the three players was met by Coach Battles with a hug and embrace of appreciation.
Caeden Battles led scoring for the Rams, as he has for every game this season, with 28 points. Gades, another leading scorer for the Rams this season, finished his last career home game with 14 points. Dean polished off his last career home game with 6 points. Emmett Battles, younger brother of Caeden Battles and youngest son of Coach Battles, finished the game with 9 points, and Daniel Overton added 1 point.
At the conclusion of the game, Coach Battles was able to honor his son Caeden’s achievements with the presentation of the game ball.
Even though the Rams have completed the 2021-2022 regular season with an overall record of 7-13, the season is not yet completed. ACS will begin play within the Panhandle Christian Conference Playoff Tournament later this week as they face off against Aletheia Christian School this Thursday, February 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Theodore. If the Rams defeat Aletheia, they will have the opportunity to move into the second round of the tournament which will be held on Friday, February 11.