The Ellwood Christian Academy Eagles boy’s basketball team got one step closer to defending its AISA Class 1A state title, as it defeated Abbeville Christian 59-50 Wednesday at Huntingdon College in the AISA Elite 8.

Steven Hendrieth, head coach of the Eagles (18-7), said his team has just been taking things one game at a time and now looks ahead to a rematch with a familiar foe.

“I just explained to the guys to put everything that’s happened behind you because we’re trying to move forward,” Hendrieth said. “We’ve got a very big challenge coming up Tuesday against Crenshaw, who we played in the finals last year.”

The Eagles defeated Crenshaw last season to claim the Class 1A state championship and defeated them 62-46 in their most recent matchup on Jan. 24 at Ellwood.

Hendrieth said he’s not changing anything about how the Eagles approach the game, and the victor will be determined by who has the strongest will to win.
“Really, there won’t be any change in strategy and I’m sure there won’t be any change in strategy on their side either,” Hendrieth said. “It’s just who wants it more. Whoever fights the hardest, that’s who’s going to win.”

The Eagles will play Crenshaw at Huntingdon College on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 1:30 p.m. in the AISA Final Four.