WCA completed its Metro Conference perfect run on both the Boys and Girls Teams Saturday in back to back games…but not without some nail biting. Both teams faced their counterparts from Atlantic Shores at Portsmouth Christian School, home of this year’s Metro Conference Tournament, and came away as Tournament Champions, to go along with their Regular season crowns.

The Girls game started very competitively, with Atlantic Shores hanging with the Eagles for most of the first half, but were frequently tripped up by the Lady Eagles quick hands and coverage of passing lanes, resulting in several quick steal and finish fast breaks. The Lady Eagles led by ten at the half and kept the same level of pressure on in the face of a boisterous Atlantic Shores heavy crowd, finishing the game 70-50. Undefeated in Metro, the Lady Eagles were led in this game by junior Armani Franklin, who tallied 26 points. Seniors Aquazia Jones (18), Nissa Chillers (10) and a white hot shooting Patricia Davie (12) were instrumental in the win.

Post game, Armani Franklin, Aquazia Jones and sister Te’Daizhua Jones were named to the All-Metro team. Senior Nissa Chillers was named Metro Player of the Year on the ladies side, and Coach Scott Jones was named Metro Girls Coach of the Year.

The boys took the floor following the completion of the girls game, also against Division 2 Atlantic Shores Christian. In a raucous contest, the Eagles and Seahawks traded surges and the lead all game long until the Eagles were able to pull ahead 10 with 3 minutes to go, on a strong push in scoring, notably on several acrobatic drives by junior Cle’Von Greene (24 points). The Seahawks defense tightened and was able to freeze the scoring rush, but trailing by five with just 34 seconds to go, it appeared that the Eagles would avenge last year’s loss to Shores in the Metro Final. A very hotly contested charging foul, however, resulted in a critical technical foul being called on WCA, which the Seahawks took full advantage of by hitting 4 straight free throws. On the ensuing possession, the Seahawks were unable to convert the 6 point swing, and Xavier Green (18 points, 11 rebounds) was fouled with just 5 seconds remaining. After Green hit one of two free throws, Atlantic Shores streaked the floor and had a decent look at the hoop and shot as time expired, but the potential game tying shot bounced off the rim, sealing the Eagles Metro Championship crown 68-66.

After the game, Mike Duncan was named to the Metro All-Scholastic team, Andre Brown and Cle’Von Greene were named All-Metro, and Xavier Green was named Metro Player of the Year, with Coach Chris Brown snagging Metro Coach of the Year honors.

The teams now march into VISAA State Tournament action, where they will both enter as the first seed in Division 3. Both teams have earned a HOME playoff game on March 2nd, with the girls facing the winner of Tuesday night’s game between Wakefield and Fuqua at 5:30PM, and the Boys squaring off against the winner of Tuesday night’s game between familiar foe Portsmouth Christian and Roanoke Catholic at 7:00PM.

As this is is the FINAL home game of the season, we hope to see all our families and fans at the game Wednesday night!!