The 2016-17 season got off to a strong start for MACA’s Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball teams. Both teams took place in this year’s Teresa French Preseason Tournament and gave impressive performances.
The Girls team went into the tournament missing Keirra Shaffer (Jr), who was held out due to an ankle injury. MACA fell to host school Covenant Life 55-43 in the Tournament opener. The Lady Lions then fell into an early hole against Grace Christian of Waldorf in the 3rd Place match. Trailing by two points at the half, Head Coach Shane Stem moved the team from a zone defense to a man on man. The switch helped the Lady Lions to hold Grace Christian to only 7 points in the third quarter and MACA took an eight-point lead into the fourth. Grace kept the Lady Lions on their toes, but ultimately MACA held on for a 40-38 victory. Katie Fleming (Sr), who led the team with 16 points in the 3rd Place game, was named to the All-Tournament Team. Coach Stem added afterward that he was proud of his team for the resiliency they showed. “Playing shorthanded, playing with foul trouble, keeping your character in check through adversity are all things to be proud of.”
MACA’s Varsity Boys team who went winless at the Teresa French Tournament last season was looking to make a statement this time around. The Boys used a dominant shooting performance against Covenant Life, in which the Lions shot 54% from the floor, to advance to the Championship Game. Taking on Saint Anselm’s Abbey, MACA once again used their shooting to get out in front. MACA shot 45% from beyond the three-point line but was unable to pull away due to uncharacteristically poor free-throw shooting. Luckily, the Lions defense held firm in the final minutes to capture the Championship by a final score of 62-53. Andrew Stein (Sr) and Will Brethauer (Jr) were named to the All-Tournament Team, while Austin Finch (Jr), who averaged 13.5 points during the Tournament, was named MVP. “It’s a great confidence builder to start the season,” said Andrew Stein.
Both of these teams will look to build on their impressive starts when they officially open their regular seasons against New Life Christian School on November 28th.
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