Noah Thomas and Jack McRae combined for 37 points Tuesday at Perry Memorial

Gymnasium to lead coach Mallory McRae’s Grace Christian Academy Cougars to a 54-49 victory over the North Florida Christian School Eagles.

Thomas led the way with 20 points and McRae put in 17. Rounding out the Cougars scoring chart was Sam McRae and Dakota Vickers with 6 apiece, Anders Austinson with 3 and Nate Walton with 2.

Rebound leaders were Nate Walton with 10, Dakota Vickers with 7, and Jack McRae and Anders Austinson with 6 apiece. Nate Walton and Jack McRae each had a block as well.

Jack McRae had 5 assists, Noah Thomas had 3, Sam McRae had 2 and Jared Duke had 1. Steals leaders were Noah Thomas with 3, Sam McRae with 2 and Nate Walton with 1.

Coach McRae said he was very pleased with the improvement his team showed against the Eagles.

“The guys are really starting to play better,” he said after the game. “North Florida Christian was very athletic and rebounded well. Our big men Nate Walton, Anders Austinson and Dakota Vickers did a great job tonight. They rebounded well and hit some big free throws down the stretch that made the difference in the game.”

The Cougars will return to action Tuesday, Jan. 12, when they travel to Albany to take on the Byrne Christian School Saints. They will play the Open Bible Christian School Warriors Thursday, Jan.14, in Valdosta and return home Friday, Jan. 15, to host Cordele’s Crisp Academy Wildcats at Perry Memorial Gymnasium.