Thrill Ride

Big lead evaporates, but Eagles hang on for District semis victory

BY ED WRIGHT
March 11, 2010, 8:55 a.m.

  Plymouth Christian Academy's boys basketball team followed the same dramatic script they've lived by all season during Wednesday night's Class D District semifinal contest against Central Academy.

  The Eagles built a huge lead before making things interesting down the stretch in a 55-50 triumph.

  PCA appeared to be headed toward a lopsided win after building a 31-13 advantage mid-way through the second quarter, but Central Academy stormed back to take a series of one-point leads late in the game.

  "I am very proud of my players the way they stayed focused down the stretch and did what they needed to do for the victory," said PCA coach Mike Doyle.

  Eric Jipping led the Eagles with 19 points. Mick Noel had a strong outing with 16 points while Don Mullett added nine assists.

  Sami Shalabi led Central Academy with 16 points.

  Central Academy sliced its deficit to 33-28 at the half.

  "We continued to get good shots, but none would fall over the final four minutes of the first half," Doyle said.

  The key play down the stretch for the Eagles unfolded when a perfectly executed in-bounds play led to Ethan Walker's basket, which extended the Eagles' lead to four points.

  PCA committed just 10 turnovers. The Eagles struggled from the charity stripe, sinking just seven of 19 attempts.

  PCA will take on host Washtenaw Christian for the District title Friday at 7 p.m.