The Meadowview Christian Trojans haven’t played a game in the Alabama Christian Athletic Association’s state basketball tournament yet, but they’re already one of eight remaining schools in contention for a state championship.

The Trojans boys’ basketball team (16-8) travels to Oxford Thursday to play in the quarterfinals of the ACAA Division I state tournament against Cornerstone Christian at 4 p.m.

Meadowview enjoyed a first-round bye in the sub-state round of the tournament. Cornerstone defeated Marshall to advance to the quarterfinals against Meadowview.

The Trojans haven’t played a game since Feb. 9, when they closed their season with a 71-56 win over Marion Academy. Meadowview head coach John Robert Morton said the Trojans have had a strong week-and-a-half of practice since ending their regular season.

“I’ve really seen a level of intensity from the guys that I haven’t seen in the past,” Morton said.

Meadowview has pulled through late in games throughout the season, most notably in a game against Tuscaloosa Christian on Jan. 29 when Meadowview rallied from down 11 points with less than two minutes left to win by two points.

Morton said if his team can show that same kind of fight in the playoffs, there aren’t many teams that can beat the Trojans.

“If we’re team-oriented and we hustle the entire time, we have a legitimate shot at giving anybody in our conference a test,” Morton said.

If Meadowview defeats Cornerstone Christian, the Trojans face the winner of Union Chapel and New Life Christian in the semifinals Friday at 6:15 p.m.

Union Chapel has won the last two ACAA Division I state titles, and Morton said it’s the team that could give Meadowview the toughest test of any team in the tournament.

If Meadowview advances past that game, the Trojans will play in the championship game Saturday at 3 p.m. All state tournament games will be played at the Oxford Civic Center.

The Trojans are trying to earn their first championship in school history. The players and coaches are well aware of that, and Morton said it would be a huge accomplishment if Meadowview could end the tournament with a championship.

“It would mean not only a lot for the school, but a lot for the boys,” Morton said. “The boys know where we stand on number of championships won, and they’d really like to be a part of something that special.”