Augusta Christian basketball's hope for a three-peat falls short in SCISA 4A title game
It wasn’t in the cards.
Augusta Christian basketball’s quest for a three-peat came up short in Friday’s South Carolina Independent School Association Class 4A state title game. The Lions fell to Cardinal Newman 71-61 at the Sumter County Civic Center.
It was the same Cardinal Newman team Augusta Christian (23-8) bested in the 2023 title game, 47-44. There was a target on the backs of the back-to-back defending state champs, and it showed.
It looked to be more of the same early on as Coach Brandon Dotson’s squad took an 8-0 lead before the Cardinals found the board. Augusta Christian led most of the first half but went into the locker room 33-28. The third quarter was all Cardinal Newman, as every shot seemed to fall while the Lions couldn’t buy a bucket.
Augusta Christian cut the deficit to three twice in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to make a difference as the clock hit zeroes.
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Once again, Dotson loaded the non-region schedule with quality opponents. The Lions began the season with a loss to Houston County, a win over 4A power New Hampstead and a blowout loss to 2A juggernaut Westside. They followed that up with a narrow loss to Lakeside before winning 13 of their next 14. By the time region play began, this team was battle tested.
Augusta Christian split the regular-season series with Cardinal Newman, taking the road contest 61-59 and falling 54-51 at home. Including last year's state title game, the two teams came into Friday with just an eight-point differential over their last three meetings.
Seniors Khaleel Pratt, Braylen Smith, Troy Booker, Andrew Bell and Shelby Hughes will graduate in May as two-time SCISA state champs. Don't expect Dotson and company to take much of a step back during a rebuild. Bona fide contenders, the Lions could very well be in this same position next year.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Christian boys basketball comes up short in state championship
