ACS spoils Houston’s first game at state tourney since 2000

ANCHORAGE — It’s been 14 years since the Houston Hawks advanced to the state tournament. Thursday, Houston stepped onto the floor for a state tourney game for the first time since 2000. Houston’s opponent, 3A power Anchorage Christian School, wasn’t exactly ready to offer a warm welcome.

Sparked by an early flurry of three-pointers and steady trips to the free throw line, ACS scored a 75-29 win over the Hawks during the quarterfinal round of the ASAA/First National Bank 3A State Basketball Championships at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.

Houston played ACS within a pair of possessions early. Jeff Baird scored four of his eight first-half points in the first quarter. Nai Saechao hit a deep three for the Hawks in the first. ACS led 11-7 midway through the period, but capped the first with a 9-0 run. Calvin Hoffman and Levi Auble each drained a pair of first-quarter threes. Immanuel Lopez was 4 for 4 from the free throw line during the first period.

ACS led 20-7 after the first period, and tacked on another 20 points in the second.

ACS continued its success in the second half. Austin Monzon scored all 10 of his points for the Lions during the final two quarters. The Lions also held Houston to only a combined four field goals in the second half. Devin Elson gave Houston it’s first bucket of the third with 3:40 remaining in the period. Houston did not score in the fourth until Kendal Ruta drained a three with 1:20 left in the game.

Baird led Houston with eight points.

With the loss, Houston drops back into the consolation semifinals and will play Friday at 1:15 p.m. at the Sullivan. ACS is now a win away from a trip to the 3A state title game for the third straight year. Complete statistics from Thursday’s game were not available prior to press time.