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ing with a 71-68 victory. The Lady Patriots were propelled by an incredible performance from Arabelle Roberts, who poured in 41 points, 37 of which came in the second half.
But the final score does not tell the true story of how regulation ended, as a critical oversight at the scorer's table directly altered the outcome of the game. The turning point occurred with exactly 1:12 left in the third period. A CCA player was at the line for three free throws. She missed the first attempt, made the second, and missed the third. Inexplicably, the official scorekeeper awarded CCA two points for that single made free throw. Because the game ended in a 51-51 tie in regulation, this single phantom point was the exact difference between an overtime thriller and a onepoint RTCA victory in regulation.
Frustration is running high for RTCA, particularly regarding the GIAA's oversight of the event. During a Final 4 state playoff game, the official scorer was reportedly an ABAC student rather than an official representative from the GIAA organization. This raises serious questions about why a student was entrusted with the official book in a game with state championship implications.
RTCA administration and coaching staff fought tirelessly to correct the error after the game. RTCA Head Girls Basketball Coach Jake Wilkinson expressed the team's frustration, “There was a scoring discrepancy which consisted of two points added for one made free throw at the end of the third quarter. We hurt for our girls and we don't like the outcome of the GIAA's decision and therefore, we want to make sure this never happens again.”
RTCA Athletic Director Adam Calloway issued a statement confirming that the school exhausted every available resource. School officials spoke with the site director, the Associate Commissioner of the GIAA, and the President of the GISA regarding the situation. Unfortunately, they were informed that there is nothing in place within GIAA or NFHS rules that allows the game to be overturned. Calloway expressed deep disappointment for the girls, noting that any further action would have to come directly from the GIAA, and affirmed that the school continues to stand behind and support their team.
The CCA girls advanced to the State Championship but ultimately fell to Memorial Day, 51-38.
Crusaders Stumble in Second Quarter Against FPCA
The RTCA boys team also suffered a tough loss in their Final 4 matchup against the Highlanders of First Preparatory Christian Academy. The game started exactly how the Crusaders drew it up, as they jumped out to a massive 20-4 lead by the end of the first quarter.
However, the second quarter saw a complete reversal of fortunes. FPCA flipped the script and went on a stunning 25-3 run, completely erasing the Crusaders' lead and taking a 29-23 advantage into the locker room at halftime.
The Highlanders carried that momentum into the second half, extending their lead to 50-39 by the end of the third period. RTCA showed incredible resilience and made a valiant run in the fourth quarter to close the gap, but the second-quarter deficit proved too steep to overcome. FPCA held on to defeat the Crusaders 5852.
The Highlanders proved their mettle by going on to dominate the CCA Patriots in the State Championship, claiming the title with a decisive 7649 victory.
Both RTCA teams showcased immense talent and heart to reach the state semifinals, even if the final outcomes, and the circumstances surrounding them, leave a bitter taste to end the year.
