Photo by George Matsui – Gray Collegiate forward Levi Ball
By Thomas Grant Jr.
Having going undefeated in Region 4-4A play, top-ranked Gray Collegiate Academy is now focused on making another perfect run.
It’s the post-season where the War Eagles look to add a seventh state championship banner to its rafters. The latest title run under head coach Dion Bethea began Friday at the “Flight Deck” with a matchup against South Florence.
Winners of 18 straight games, Gray Collegiate (22-2) will have homecourt advantage through the first three rounds of the Class 4A Lower State playoffs. A win would set up a third meeting this season on Saturday against region rivals Brookland-Cayce and Midland Valley.
The Bearcats played host to the Mustangs Tuesday in the opening round. The War Eagles went a combined 4-0 against the two teams this season, winning by an average of 33.5 points.
On Monday, the Gray Collegiate girls played host to Brookland-Cayce in its playoff opener. The Lady War Eagles came away with a 58-39 win for their third victory this season over the Lady Bearcats.
Gray Collegiate (21-5) will play host to Wilson Friday in a rematch from last year’s second-round matchup it won 42-39. Brookland-Cayce ended the season with an 8-18 record.
All-Region honors
Gray Collegiate head coach Dion Bethea
Gray Collegiate boys head coach Dion Bethea was named Region 4-4A Coach of the Year.
The award continued the triumphant return to the program after a one-year absence.
All-State forward Levi Ball was also named Region Player of the Year. He was joined on the All-Region team by Rickey Littlejohn, Luis Echevarria, Jayden Rowe and Desmond Harrington.
Brookland-Cayce had four players make the All-Region boys. Those selected were Isaiah Oree, Beckett Riley, Isaiah Daniels and Avery Georgiana Richardson.
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