Harrells Christian Academy was the host site of the Coastal Rivers Conference Tournament, slated for Thursday and Friday. Even still, for their game the Crusaders men’s basketball team were the guest team for the game as they took on Fayetteville Academy in opening round action. Though fighting valiantly, Harrells fell to the Eagles, 60-44.

With a low score initially out of the gate, it was Harrells that led 8-7 as quarter number one was winding down. Fayetteville Academy, though, scored four in a row for an 11-8 lead. Jack Laslo, though, hit a jumper just before the first buzzer to make it 11-10 headed to quarter number two.

The start of the second quarter proved to be the turning point of the game.

Kicking things off, the Eagles mounted a 9-0 run to kick off the quarter as their lead suddenly swelled to double digits at 20-10. With 6:18 still on the clock, the Crusaders were forced to call a timeout to stop the bleeding. If not for the initial run, scoring throughout the remainder of the quarter was more balanced. When the horn sounded signaling halftime, Harrells trailed by 15 at 33-18.

Throughout the third quarter, the Crusaders battled and fought their way back into contention. They scored the first four points of the second half, inching their way slightly closer. A quick spurt by the Eagles countered what Harrells had done, though, as the margin was back to 15 at 37-22. Then, the Crusaders went to work. Throughout the duration of the the remainder of the third quarter, Harrells went on a 10-2 run to draw back to within 39-32 headed to the final period of play.

Their comeback efforts were for naught, though, as Fayetteville Academy thwarted every opportunity. If the Crusaders got a bucket or two, so too did the Eagles. Aided by a pair of three point plays, Fayetteville Academy progressively built their lead back up and went on to grab the win, 60-44.

Leading scorers for the Crusaders were Javarus Keith with 15 points and Marcus Boykin with 13.

The loss drops Harrells to .500 on the season at 12-12. The Crusaders are set to begin NCISAA 2A Tournament play on Tuesday night, hosting Epiphany Global School.

HCA’s Marcus Boykin goes up for a transition layup on Thursday night.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_HCA-Boykin.jpgHCA’s Marcus Boykin goes up for a transition layup on Thursday night. Daron Barefoot | Sampson Independent

HCA’s Jack Laslo works the wing, looking for an outlet.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_HCA-Laslo.jpgHCA’s Jack Laslo works the wing, looking for an outlet. Daron Barefoot | Sampson Independent
Fayetteville Academy denies Harrells, 60-44

By Daron Barefoot

Sports Editor

Reach Sports Editor Daron Barefoot at [email protected].