Times-Journal Sports Writer

Even in the darkest time of their season Thursday, a bright light shone on the Central Christian Academy Lady Warriors.

After a dismal performance by his team in the first half, CCA coach Steven Hagin put in four players from his second team, leaving just one starter on the floor. The move didn’t help the Lady Warriors in their 52-18 loss to Prattville Christian in the opening round of the AISA Class 1A Area West 3 tournament at CCA.

The move, however, did leave Hagin with some hope for next season and beyond.

“I just continued to play the young girls down the stretch of the season,” Hagin said. “I let everyone play every game this year. When you’re as down as we are, why not?”

Hagin believes it’s the experience his younger players saw this season and Thursday night that will make the difference next season and for seasons to follow. The Lady Warriors finished with a dismal 3-16 mark this season, but things may turn around next year, Hagin said.

“Our experience was limited this year,” the CCA coach said. “Next year, we should be much better.”

The Lady Warriors and their coach got a glimpse of what could very well be a preview of next season. After a sloppy first half that saw the Lady Warriors bullied, out-hustled and out-played en route to a 38-7 deficit.

It looked as though the beat would not change when point guard Rachel Williams sank a jumper from the foul line to make it 40-7 early in the third period. That basket, however, would be one of just seven Prattville Christian would get in the second half.

CCA scored just two points in the third period, but came to life in the final quarter that included a 9-0 run.

Trailing 48-9, Jessica Allday drained a 12-foot jumper from the right wing. Then Rhonda Jackson’s cross-court pass found Allday at the top of the key for a three-pointer that made it 48-14.

After a Prattville Christian turnover, Jackson’s inbound pass under the Prattville Christian basket went to Maria Todd, who sank a jumper from the left corner to make it 48-16. Todd capped the CCA run when she made a move to her right at the top of the circle, slipped past a defender and hit a 7-foot jumper to make it 48-18.

Chelsea Perry did not score in the second half, but the sixth grader showed that she will one day be a star for the Lady Warriors. Her ball handling helped CCA keep it out of Prattville Christian’s hands for a longer time in the second half.

“Chelsea handles the ball really well,” Hagin said. “She’s just inexperienced, like most of the team. I told the girls that if they work at it during the off-season they’ll be a lot better next year. But they have to work at it.”