Augusta Prep edges Alleluia in home opener

The private school basketball scene is thriving. I've been a little slow to catch on to the depth of teams in the area. Not only can Westminster and Alleluia compete with any area team. Augusta Prep and Augusta Christian help to make a group of at least four exciting and impressive teams playing in the independent leagues. Wednesday's game between Augusta Prep and Alleluia was a great chance to see a fun brand of basketball, as Ryan Jolly continued his lights out play from the preseason with 28 points in a 65-62 home win to start the Cavaliers' season.

Jolly figured prominently in a fast paced first half in which the teams combined to make 10 three pointers. During a 9-2 Prep run to begin the game, Jolly assisted on a three and made another himself. And after the game was tied at 16 in the second quarter, Jolly scored 16 consecutive points before assisting on a Will Dorn three that sent Augusta Prep to the locker room with a 35-30 advantage.

Augusta Prep's Ryan Jolly has scored 54 points in last two contests.

The third quarter featured an 18-6 Alleluia run that gave the Angels a brief 43-41 lead, but Prep ended the quarter with two baskets and a 45-43 advantage.

Much of the fourth quarter belonged to Augusta Prep as Jolly again found his offensive rhythm and the Cavs built a 57-48 lead with 3:27 remaining.

Mac McBride led Alleluia with 24, and Ben Dresser added 15 in the loss.