Will Slow Half Cost CPA?

Christ Presbyterian Academy’s bid for a third Class AA boys basketball state championship in four years came up short Friday in Murfreesboro as the Lions fell 60-54 to Haywood.

Lions standout Braxton Blackwell looked to have turned momentum in his team’s favor with a highlight reel dunk to open the fourth quarter, cutting the Tomcat advantage to 38-36, but Haywood instead went on a 8-3 run to the two-minute mark of the forth. At that point, the Lions began to put Haywood on the foul line in hopes of getting back into contention.

CPA never got into a rhythm from the floor though, shooting 35.7% from the field and making only 8-of-18 from the charity stripe.

Haywood jumped ahead in the first half thanks to shooting 46.7%, leading by double-figures a majority of the contest.

The Lions never held a lead in the game as the Tomcats opened on an 8-0 run and quickly followed with one of 10 points.

Jordan Varnado did the most damage to CPA during the opening stretch, notching a double-double by halftime. He ended the night with 24 points, 16 rebounds, four blocked shots.

Blackwell led CPA’s stat line with 19 points, 19 rebounds, six assists, and three blocked shots. Evan Ragsdale and Parker Howell each contributed 11 points.

Haywood advances to play for the Class AA state title Saturday against either Ripley or Fulton.