The Cape Fear Christian Academy varsity boys basketball team opened the season with an 80-74 ;oss to Berean Baptist in the Eagles’ annual Senior Classic on November 12.

CFCA hosted the Bulldogs again on Thursday on Senior Night for the boys and this time the Eagles won, 80-74, despite trailing, 47-35, at the half.

“I gave them an earful at halftime,” said CFCA coach Dwain Ellis.

Sophomore point guard Zeke Brock had 20 of his 27 points in the last 16 minutes as the Eagles improved to 8-7 overall and 1-2 in the Sandhills Athletic Conference.

Deshaun Woods had 16 of his 25 points after intermission as CFCA completed a 3-game sweep that started with a 57-47 overtime win in the junior varsity boys game.

A moment of silence was held for Jennifer Harris before the varsity boys game and former chairman of the board of directors, John Dupree, paid tribute to the mother of varsity boys player Gavin Harris and cheerleader Peyton Harris. Jennifer Harris passed away last weekend.

Seniors Reid Miller, Barrett Raynor, David Okropiridze and Woods were recognized prior to tipoff. Woods said he suggested using a 1-2-2 zone to Ellis and the Eagles rebounded effectively out of that alignment in the second half.

The defense also slowed the scoring of the Bulldogs (6-10, 2-5 SAC) as John Butler netted just four of his 21 points in the second half and Chase Evans tallied just four of his 20 points after the break.

Woods hit 11 of 16 field goal attemots for 69 percent. CFCA made 33 of 60 as a team for 55 percent.

Okropiridze had 15 points, going 3-of-7 beyond the arc. Miller registered nine points and seventh-grader Lathan Wilborn, who came in when Miller fouled out, added four points.

Brock had 13 assists. Woods and Miller each had nine rebounds. Trevor McLamb claimed five caroms off the defensive glass.

CFCA girls win easily

Cape Fear Christian’s varsity girls improved to 9-2 overall and 3-0 in league play with a 57-7 win as Ella John Dupree had 20 points, nine steals and five assists.

Cailee Ray scored 15 points with four steals and three assists.

Trinity Olive had eight points, all in the second quarter. Perri Caroline Ennis had seven points and 13 rebounds. Laney Trainer added five points and eight rebounds. Madeline Brocious had two points.

JV rallies

Brandon Surles had six of his 13 points in overtime as the junior Eagles improved to 5-2 overall and 1-2 in the SAC after trailing 22-18 at the half.