WBA Eagles claim another state crown; Girls finish fourth

For the first time since 2013, the Westwood Baptist Academy Eagles boys basketball team captured the Missouri Christian School Athletic Association state title.

It was the second time for the program under head coach Josh Hawley as the Eagles (25-2) routed Eagle Ridge Christian of Cape Girardeau, 64-21, in Joplin on Saturday.

James Hawley (38 points), Ben Jones (15 points), and Jeffrey VanDover (nine points) provided plenty of ammo for the champs.

VanDover and James Hawley were named first-team all-state while Joel Hanks earned second-team honors.

The Lady Eagles dropped a 44-25 decision to Center Place to finish fourth in the tournament.

Katie Gross and Sydney Hawley finished with 12 and eight points to lead WBA. Gross was a first-team, all-state selection while Chloe Dodd earned a second-team nod.