ACA, Hale County Hoops Elite 8 Bound

Things are looking up for American Christian Academy's boys basketball team.

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The Pattriots of interim coach Austin Grammer are heading to the AHSAA Elite 8, meaning they are a win away from the Final 4.

Final from Birmingham's Bill Harris Arena: ACA 60, Bibb County Choctaws 51. The Pats beat their rivals from Centreville all three times the two played this season.

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ACA led 25-18 lead at the half before Bibb County outscored the Pats 19-17 in the third quarter, cutting the lead to as little as three-points at one point, but ACA successfully held off any second half Bibb County comeback efforts as they held on for the huge win.

"I think it's a testament to our guys to stay together because in that third quarter it got close and was getting chippy with the fouls," Grammer said. "I was very proud of how they stayed together to finish the game in the fourth quarter."

Grammer is filling in for Head Coach Blake Thrasher who is out battling a serious illness.

ACA's Davis Dare, also a star wide receiver,  led all scorers with 21 points to go with five assists and four rebounds. Bibb County's Jordan Leverette finished with 19 points and five rebounds to lead the Choctaws.

ACA's Elite 8 opponent will be Hale County.

That contest will take place in the Class 4A central regional final at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday.

In Girls action, it was Hale County 45, Bibb County 23 to advance the Wildcats to the Elite 8. The Hillcrest girls are also still alive with a shot at the Final 4 if they can beat Pelham Thursday.