DII-A Quarterfinals round: FACS defeats Columbia Academy
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First Assembly Christian School defeated Columbia Academy, 53-52, in the quarterfinals round of the TSSAA Division II-A Boys’ State Tournament. The Crusaders will play Silverdale in the semifinals round. Here are 3 observations from the contest: Jackson’s number was called…
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Continue ReadingFirst Assembly Christian School defeated Columbia Academy, 53-52, in the quarterfinals round of the TSSAA Division II-A Boys’ State Tournament.
The Crusaders will play Silverdale in the semifinals round.
Here are 3 observations from the contest:
Jackson’s number was called
FACS head coach Dee Wilkes has full trust in sophomore point guard Cello Jackson Cello Jackson 6'4" | PG FACS | 2026 State TN . The trust can’t be broken because Wilkes, no matter what the outsiders may say, believes in Jackson’s ability to deliver in big games. In Saturday’s win over the Bulldogs, the 6-foot-2 guard either scored or made the right read each time he had the basketball in his hands.
The basketball was in Jackson’s hands a lot on Saturday, and he made sure a positive came out of his decision making. Midway through the second quarter, Jackson converted on 3-point play then made four free throws. He knocked down a 3 from the right wing and split free throws early in the third quarter. Jackson scored on two straight possessions at the top of the fourth quarter to give the Crusaders a 46-39 lead.
When he saw double teams, Jackson, instead, found a wide open MJ Hayes MJ Hayes 6'4" | SG FACS | 2026 State TN for a 3 on the right wing to tie the game 49-all.
Jackson finished with 23 points and 11 assists, and FACS needed all of his production to pull off the win.
”That’s Cello. That’s who he is. He’s been like that ever since he got here,” Wilkes said about Jackson, who went 8 for 9 from the free throw line. “Whenever we need something, I know I can put the basketball in his hands, and he’s going to make the right play. Like tonight, I said ‘Son, you got to be aggressive. I need you to get to the basket and finish.’ And that’s what he did.
”And the times they helped, he made the right play and kicked it to guys, like he kicked it to MJ to tie the game. He’s always going to make the right play.”
Davenport is a difference maker
Junior point guard Gabe Davenport Gabe Davenport 6'0" | PG Columbia Academy | 2025 State TN was a bright spot for Columbia Academy in the first half. He got into rhythm early and did a great job of getting into the lane and finishing. The ball movement was great for the Bulldogs when Davenport was the team’s primary ball handler. Davenport didn’t touch the basketball much at all in the second half and scored only two points.
Walker was an aggressor
Outside of Jackson, junior point guard Jacob Walker Jacob Walker 5'10" | PG FACS | 2025 State TN was the most aggressive player on the floor. He didn’t settle for a lot of jump shots and took what the defense gave him. Walker made the best of his opportunities at the free throw line, going a perfect 10 for 10 to finish the day with 19 points.
Other semifinals matchup
Evangelical Christian School will play Providence Christian Academy in the semifinals round of the DII-A Boys’ State Tournament.