Cougars face-off against Mustangs

On Saturday night, the Campion Academy Cougars had their final basketball games against Mile High Academy Mustangs for the season. In the end, both teams went home with a win, with Mile High winning the girl’s game and Campion winning the boy’s game. The results were similar to when the two teams matched off against each other in December. 

A special highlight of the game came when senior Izuchi Nwankwo broke Campion Academy’s single-season scoring record, after scoring 19 points during the matchup. Nwankwo finished the season with a total of 375 points, surpassing the previous record of 360 set by Brit Sigh in 2001. After 25 years, a new name will be added to Campion’s gym wall of fame in that slot. 

The evening began with a time of worship with the two schools united, followed by the girl’s game. With top-scorer Victoria Matthews still on the bench due to an injury, the girls played the best they could, and fought hard. The game remained close throughout and in the end, Campion lost by four points.
 
Hannah Manase, one of the team members, shared “I was really nervous and scared because I really wanted to win. But even though we lost, I just think it was a great experience for the team, and it gives us a chance to redeem ourselves and win next year.”

In the boy’s basketball game, Campion took a commanding lead over Mile High. They played a strong game and kept the energy up. In the end Campion won by 15 points. Jonny Lopez-Morquecho, a freshman, scored 21 points.

A senior basketball player, Marc Winokan, expressed, “After being out from the last Mile High game due to injury, I was really happy to be able to play this game. It was fun to be out there and to play with my teammates and also against some of my childhood friends back at home. Winning this game was a huge deal for me and now I can proudly say that throughout my 4 years at Campion, I’ve never lost to Mike High!”

The long-term sports-rivalry between the two schools makes the games exciting to watch and the crowds are loud and proud. However, the schools’ connections run deeper than sports and many students have connections and friendships in both communities as we are all united in Christ. 

While the Mile High game marked the end of the basketball season, both Campion teams have qualified to participate in the 2A State Championship Tournament. The teams will be playing in the first round on Friday, March 6. More information below. 

Pamela Lah, Student News Team

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