By: ReJena Whiting

In January, 2009, staff reporter ReJena Whiting went on the CAYA basketball trip to Texas, this is an article on it, published February 25, 2009

CAYA Basketball 2009

Texas overflowed with passion and excitement at the advent of the annual basketball tournament season. From January 20^th to January 25^th, CAYA basketball team went on an expedition to Keene, Texas, displaying the skills and spirit the team members acquired through diligent practice and dedication. The tournament was held in Southwestern Adventist University.

CAYA girl’s team performed well and vigorously in the tournament as it did past 4 years. It was 5-1 this year at the SWAU 14^th Hoops Classic. Collegedale Academy girl’s team was on fire, winning 5 games in a row and making in to the championship game before losing to Spring Valley 46-26. “I was really happy that we got to the championship game,” said Emily Hammond. “[At the last game] the other team was making all the shots while we didn’t play to our full potential.”

The Lady Cougars started the tournament strong on Wednesday, January 21. CAYA played against Forest Lake Academy, winning 52-44. Thursday CA basketball team took part in two games, the first game against Ozark with CAYA playing very well, landslide winning 53-16. Also on Thursday, Collegedale Academy defeated Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy 38-16. On Friday The Lady Cougars won against Shenandoah Valley Academy (44-32) and Burton Adventist Academy (38-28). CAYA Women’s Varsity has had only 2 losses in Championship play the last 5 years, winning an outstanding 28 games, 18 in a row the last 3 years. It also brought back the Sprit Award to Collegedale.

CAYA guy’s team did its best. For the first three games, it met the misfortune of playing against the top three teams of the tournament such as Bakersfield, Forest Lake, and Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy. It even had to play three games on Thursday during the tournament. However, the team won the game against Spring Valley Academy by 52 to 51. Collegedale Academy lost two other games against Andrews and Spencerville Academy that were held on Friday and Saturday Even though it lost five games and won one game, because of its effort and sportsmanship, CAYA guy’s basketball team proudly won the Spirit Award.