Maryville defense forces 20 turnovers in 68-28 route of TKA

BY BRIAN HAMILTON SEYMOUR – Maryville got off to a hot start early on Friday night and never looked back, outscoring The King’s Academy 18-5 in the first period, en route to a 40-point, 68-28 win. The Rebels forced 20 TKA turnovers, turning many into points, while only committing three turnovers in the contest. “When your defense has that much pressure it ignites your offense and being able to do that really got us going and got us feeling good about the game,” Maryville coach Wes Lambert said after the game. “When you feel good, you play good. I’m proud …

Lady Lions outlast Maryville in overtime to pick up season sweep over Maryville

BY BRIAN HAMILTON SEYMOUR – The King’s Academy saw a late seven-point cushion evaporate, as Maryville’s Jada Edwards nailed a game-tying three with 20 seconds remaining in regulation, but the Lady Lions were able to outscore the Lady Rebels 9-3 in the overtime period to come away with a 54-48 win on Friday night. “I thought that fighting back as much as we did, we were definitely missing legs (in the overtime period),” Maryville coach Taylor Clark said. “They did a good job of getting it inside and I think we were a little bit timid in there, more timid …

The King's Academy Lady Lions

Back in the saddle again: Lady Lions outlast Providence Christian to earn Final Four berth

BY BRIAN HAMILTON SEYMOUR – They were partying like it was 2020 in Tibbets Gymnasium on Friday night, as the TKA girl’s basketball team earned its first trip to the Final Four since 2020. TKA defeated Providence Christian 71-62 on Friday night, in a neck-and-neck game that was much closer than the final score indicated. Seniors Juleigh Anne Tucker and Leah Thornton were freshmen on the 2020 team and the only two players on the roster who have experience playing in a state tournament, as reserves. This time, Tucker played a much bigger role than 2020, as her 28 points and six …

TKA vs Boyd Buchanan

Rollins, Simun lift Lions to first regional final berth in school history

BY BRIAN HAMILTON WHITE PINE – A little over two years ago, Harrison Rollins sat before his coach going into his freshman season and was asked, “What do you want to get out of your four years here at TKA?” The now-junior forward responded, “I want to lead this team to a state tournament.” Rollins is now one step closer to doing just that after scoring a career-high 27 points during The King’s Academy’s impressive 64-53 region semifinal win over Boyd Buchanan on Friday night. The Lions were able to avenge a December loss to the Buccaneers and clinched a …