In an exciting showcase of high school basketball, Sherwood Christian School and Terrell Academy faced off in two fiercely contested games at the Deerfield-Windsor Christmas Classic on December 25, 2023. The teams, both known as the Eagles, split the outcomes, with Terrell Academy securing a 46-38 victory in the girls’ match while Sherwood Christian claimed a 40-30 win in the boys’ game.
Girls’ Game: Terrell Academy Takes the Lead
The girls’ game featured numerous momentum shifts, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Terrell Academy started strong, with sophomore Natalie Oliver hitting two three-pointers in the second quarter, helping the Lady Eagles establish a commanding 25-12 lead. However, Sherwood Christian responded with a determined effort, executing a 10-0 run before halftime, largely due to the free-throw shooting of Julia Kendrick.
Kendrick was instrumental in narrowing the gap, showcasing poise by converting four consecutive free throws after being fouled. This performance allowed Sherwood to enter halftime trailing by only 25-22. As the second half unfolded, Terrell regained its momentum, extending the lead to 36-23 following a layup by Sally Masters. Despite a late surge from Sherwood, Terrell Academy maintained its lead, finishing the game with a score of 46-38. Masters led Terrell with 22 points, while Kendrick topped Sherwood with 17 points.
“I was really proud of the effort we made,” said Sherwood’s coach, Kenny Roberts. “Terrell has a good team, and I thought we played pretty well considering two of our girls were out sick.”
Boys’ Game: Sherwood Christian Takes Control
The boys’ matchup mirrored the intensity of the girls’ game, with Terrell Academy initially taking the lead. The game opened with Asher Crossin scoring a deep three-pointer, followed by back-to-back baskets from Pace Cooling, giving Terrell a quick 9-4 advantage and a 12-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.
As the second quarter progressed, Sherwood adjusted its strategy, tightening its defense and leveling the score at 19-19 by halftime. The second half proved decisive, as Sherwood’s relentless hustle and defensive pressure limited Terrell Academy to just 11 points after the break. KJ Bevel led Sherwood with 11 points, while Tripp Roberts contributed with eight points. Cooling was the standout player for Terrell, finishing with a game-high 20 points.
“First of all, glory to God,” stated Sherwood’s coach, Corey Eason. “We came out a little sluggish in the first quarter, but we made some quick adjustments and were able to fight our way back. The boys hustled and played hard, which led us to being able to pull out the win. I am proud of them.”
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, showcasing the spirit and competitiveness that high school basketball embodies.
