There were some tense moments in the final minutes, but Meadowview Christian held off a late rally by Clay County for a 79-72 win in the Alabama Christian Athletic Association quarterfinals.

Meadowview will move on to face Tuscaloosa Christian on Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the state semifinals.

“It’s something that we are starting to get used to. Preparing  yourself to play at this level consistently year in and year out allows for expectations always to be around this level,” said Meadowview Christian coach John Robert Morton of being this close to a state title.

Jeremy Lee led Meadowview with 30 points in the game, including two 3-pointers made.

Justin McGuire had a double-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. Sam Dabit joined them in double figures with 11 points.

Morton said Meadowview led by as many as 17 points in the second half, but Clay County made three 3-pointers in a row to start closing the lead.

“They started fouling and we made all of our free throws,” Morton said.

Meadowview has played Tuscaloosa twice this year, losing both games.

The Meadowview Christian girls’ basketball team will also play Friday. The Trojans will take on Marshall at noon.