The first family as I call them,  have taken office. St. Michaels Academy knocks off Christ the King 63-54, to advance to the semi-finals of the NYSCHAA "AA" playoffs.

 

The first family and the Eagles of St. Michael's Academy have rid the monkey from their backs in biggest victory in school history.

 

CTK playing without South Florida-bound Tahira Johnson, who tweaked her knee during pre-game warm ups. Let's not forget St. Michaels has played the majority of the season without sophomore sensations Bre'Shay Ali and Brianna Sidney due to injuries.

 

St. Mike's fell behind early and rallied back, as both teams pretty much played evenly up to half time, with St. Mike's leading 33-31 at the half. St. Mike's jumped out to an early third quarter lead, to go up 41-31. CTK came right back with a run of their own. St. Mike's went on another run to go back up 51-43. St. Mike's had to with stand two CTK runs, the second CTK run cut the lead to 52-48. But St. Mike's would not be denied, as the first family got their long awaited victory against CTK.

 

There is still much work to be done, as St. Mikes must win three games in three days, to qualify for a trip to their first state federation championship tournament in Glens Falls.

 

Junior Jennifer O'Neil led St. Mike's with 18 points plus contributions from Sophomores Tiffany Jones with 15 points and Taylor Ford with 10 points. CTK was led by junior Ariel Edwards and Sophomore Eliana Scanlon with 12 points each and Bria Smith also chipped in 11 points.

 

Winston Kelly
GameBall Magazine/Blue Star