SCISA 2A Championship: Cathedral Academy vs. Beaufort Academy

SCISA's reclassification over the offseason guaranteed that there would be a new 2A champion at the conclusion of this season. The only question that remained was who would that champion be.    On Saturday at the Sumter Civic Center, a pair of teams from the Lowcountry had a chance to vie for that honor as Cathedral Academy, 1A finalists from last season, took on Beaufort Academy, 2A semifinalists from 2021-22.    Last season, the Generals suffered defeat in the 1A final at the hands of Newberry Academy. What happened on Feburary 25 displayed how much can change in a year. At the conclusion of this matchup, championship hardware was bestowed upon Cathedral Academy as they defeated Beaufort Academy by a final of 68-33.    The season for the Generals concludes at 22-7 while that of the Eagles finishes at 16-11.    What Happened Last Time?   The Generals and Eagles met in the early portions of the season back in mid-November with Cathedral Academy prevailing by a final score of 51-45.    How Things Progressed   The day called for rain in the forecast for a good portion of the area. Apparently, the Sumter Civic Center was no exception as it was raining 3-pointers from the Generals. With one quarter in the books, Cathedral Academy had a lead of 19-8.    The second quarter was indication that this game would be less of a contest and more of a rout. What was only an 11-point advantage for Cathedral Academy over Beaufort Academy became 26 as the Generals led the Eagles 41-15 going into halftime.    Unless Beaufort Academy went on a run similar to that of Cathedral Academy in the second quarter, everything appeared to be academic. That run did not happen and the Generals actually increased by three. With three complete, it was 54-25 – advantage Cathedral Academy.    As time in the fourth quarter continued to elapse, there were little doubt left about which team would win this season's 2A crown. That honor was bestowed upon coach Chris Pouyat and his Cathedral Academy assembling as they thrashed Beaufort Academy by 35 points.    Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_5005-crop-2403x1578-1677365980.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-604941" width="336" height="220" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='185223' first='Jalyn' last='Almeida'] led all scorers with 22 points. Among those 22 were 14 points that she tallied in the first quarter alone. Her shooting from 3-point range was equivalent to a big being unguarded in the paint as she splashed home six triples.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_4990-crop-2141x1406-1677366074.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-604951" width="338" height="221" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='315513' first='Claire' last='Griffin'] aided the effort for Cathedral Academy with a 17-point performance. She managed to hit paydirt with many of her shot attempts in a variety of different ways – including from long range and at the 3-point line.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_5035-crop-2141x1406-1677366170.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-604953" width="337" height="220" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='257989' first='Paige' last='Pouyat'] finished her afternoon with a nine-point outing. She too assisted in the barrage of 3-pointers the Generals threw at the Eagles as she drained a pair of her attempts from behind the arc. She also had a few successful free throw attempts.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_5083-crop-2141x1406-1677366260.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-604959" width="337" height="220" /></figure>   With 11 points, [player_tooltip player_id='255897' first='Tahleea' last='Heyward'] led all Beaufort Academy point-getters in what was the final game in the high school career of the 5-foot-4 standout. Her ability to finish at the rim can lead to her drawing contact and she displays how valuable she is on defense as well.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_5042-crop-2141x1406-1677366363.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-604969" width="342" height="224" /></figure>   It was also the final high school game for [player_tooltip player_id='175382' first='Mike'Ala' last='Washington'] as well. She finished with 10 points to help the Eagles' cause. Washington's strong points go well beyond scoring as she is a gifted rebounder and will collect her fair share of steals.   So Long, Seniors   Heyward and Washington are among the seniors graduating from Beaufort Academy – along with Kate Luckey and Brycen Ambrose. The Generals are sans any seniors from this season's team.   All-Tournament Team   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/IMG_5540-crop-2395x1572-1677366526.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-604979" width="324" height="212" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='185223' first='Jalyn' last='Almeida'] – Cathedral Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='315513' first='Claire' last='Griffin'] – Cathedral Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='175382' first='Mike'Ala' last='Washington'] – Beaufort Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='256832' first='Kamirah' last='Freeman'] – Beaufort Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='258141' first='Harper' last='Rice'] – Patrick Henry Academy   Abby Weathers – Dorchester Academy

SCISA's reclassification over the offseason guaranteed that there would be a new 2A champion at the conclusion of this season. The only question that remained was who would that champion be.