By Wil Crews
sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
The Trinity Christian Eagles lost 69-41 to Covington Academy on Feb. 9 in the GAPPS 2020-21 Division 1-A Boys Basketball Regional Tournament, bringing their season to a close.
Covington jumped out to an early 26-point lead, but “the guys stayed in there pretty tough and never gave up in their effort or attitude,” coach Paul Stith said.
Senior Daniel Adams led the way for Trinity with 17 points in the final high school basketball game. Brandon Riddle followed with 11.
“I was proud of the way they kept up their effort,” Stith said of his team after.
In the end, the game was an unceremonious end to a whirlwind of a season.
Trinity finish the year with a 5-8 overall record, going 1-2 in region play, according to https://gappsports.com/sports/high-school/basketball-boys.
Through not having a home court to play on for most of the season, missing out on the student section presence and everything and anything that made this season – and 2020 – so bizarre, the Eagles persevered.
“The COVID year has been exceptional in a lot of ways,” Stith said. “I really didn’t think we would get to play as much as we did with as little interruption. I think we only lost two games due to the virus and that was because other teams experienced positive tests. I’m glad we were able to play.”
In reflection, Stith is grateful for it all. In fact, he’s already looking forward to next season.
“I’m especially thankful for the improvements that were made at Covington Rec Center and the gracious folks there who made it possible for us to play and even practice a few times at the gym,” he said. “Our guys don’t have a full-size gym to practice in, so every game is almost an away experience for them. Hopefully, next year the students will be able to return in force to games, as well. We really missed the TCS student body at games creating a fun atmosphere.”
Congratulations to the Trinity Eagles on a season well-played!