The Grace Christian Academy Cougars basketball team defeated Valdosta’s Highland Christian Academy 75-36 on Friday, Feb. 6 at Perry Memorial Gymnasium.

The win moved Dr. Mallory McRae’s Cougars to a 16-6 record overall and a 6-1 mark in the Georgia Independent Schools Association Region 3-AA.

Point guard Noah Thomas took game scoring honors with 22 points. Also breaking into the double figure column for the Cougars was center Jack McRae with 18 and Tray Webb with 10. Also contributing to the win were Sam McRae and Tre Dudley with eight points apiece and Brent Warr with three points.

Rebound leaders for the Cougars were Jack McRae with 11 and Tray Webb with nine. Sam McRae had three steals and Jack McRae and Noah Thomas had two steals apiece. Assist leaders were Sam McRae with five, Jack McRae with four, Noah Thomas with three and Tre Dudley with two.

Following the game, Dr. McRae talked about the pride he has for his team and their achievements.

“Tonight is one of those games where it just makes you proud to be proud of such a great school and athletic program,” he said. “The guys came out tonight and jumped to an early lead. We did a great job of sharing the ball, as evidenced by our assists. Since it was senior night we started all of our seniors, except Brent Warr who has been sidelined with a meniscal tear. However, at the end of the game, my assistant coach, Vic Vickers, leans over and says, ‘Coach why don’t you send Brent in and just have him spot up in the corner?’”

McRae did just that. Warr was sent in with 40 seconds to go. T.J. Dudley was able to pass the ball down the court. Warr launched a 3-pointer and stripped the net at the buzzer.

“It was an exciting ending, not only to the game, but to a player’s high school basketball career,” Dr. McRae said.