Sophomore Carter Warstler skies for a transition layup. Chris Heermann’18/Media editor
The CA boys basketball team earned impressive victories over North Union and Northridge, punching its ticket to districts for the fourth consecutive year.
The #6 seed Vikings played host in the sectional semifinal on Monday, February 26, and pulled away from #16 seed North Union, 59-40. Though Academy was heavily favored, the Wildcats did not seem intimidated in the slightest to begin the game. The teams traded buckets for the majority of the first quarter, and the score was even with just seconds remaining. After senior Ryan Mitchell hit a pair of free throws, North Union flung up a prayer at the buzzer from beyond half court. Amazingly, it fell, giving the Wildcats a 16-15 lead after one.
North Union’s momentum did not last long. Senior TJ Whitman drained back-to-back corner threes to put the Vikes back in control. On the other end, CA put the clamps on the Wildcats’ offense, and the Vikings went to the break with a 5-point advantage.
In the third quarter, Academy desperately tried to blow the game open. Junior Chris Boyle splashed two long-distance bombs, but North Union refused to go away. The Wildcats continued to hang close, and trailed 44-36 heading into the fourth period.
Finally, the Vikes managed to distance themselves in the closing minutes. North Union tried to mount a comeback, but CA showed its poise, going 9 for 10 from the free throw line down the stretch to seal the win. Junior Dorrian Moultrie had one of the best games of his career, scoring or assisting on 38 of his team’s 59 total points. He finished with 16 points and 8 assists.
The Vikings had home-court advantage in the sectional final as well, where they clashed with #12 seed Northridge on Saturday, March 3. Academy looked sluggish out of the gates, but 7 straight points from junior Hayden Compton allowed the Vikes to take a 2-point lead after the first quarter. Compton finished with 12 to lead CA.
The rest of the Vikings woke up in the second period. Mitchell and junior Dalyn DeCree combined for 10 points, and Academy outscored Northridge 22-6 in the 8-minute span. Both Mitchell and DeCree had 8 points on the night.
Despite their 18-point halftime advantage, the Vikes refused to step off the gas. CA continued to dominate on both ends of the floor, and its lead was 49-23 at the end of the third.
From there, the Vikings’ reserves closed out the victory. It was a sensational all-around performance, as every Academy player scored.
The Vikes now sit just 2 wins away from bringing home a long-coveted district title. CA will travel to Hamilton Township on Tuesday, March 6 to clash with #3 seed Bishop Ready in the district semifinal.
