Ballard Christian 57, Mercer Christian 54
BALLARD — The Eagles withstood a rally by the Cavaliers that shaved their lead to a single point in the final minute on Friday night.
Mercer Christian made three treys in the fourth quarter to come close, but Ballard Christian School (6-2) converted free throws in the last 60 seconds of play to safeguard their victory.
Blake Bowles led all scorers with 23 points for Ballard Christian, all in the second half. He was 10 for 12 at the foul line. His brother Gage notched 10 points and 10 rebounds. Patrick Mullins cleared nine boards, and Bryce Paynter grabbed four steals.
Daniel Boothe had 16 points for Mercer Christian, which sank 11 3-pointers. Caleb Janning, who ended with 15 points, had four treys while Boothe and Chandler Scott each had three.
Ballard hosts Pipestem Christian on Tuesday night.

At Ballard Christian School
MERCER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
J.J. Easter 5, Caleb Janning 15, Samuel Stephens 4, Xander Bailey 1, Luke Maranto 2, Kenny Shrewsberry 2, Daniel Boothe 16, Chandler Scott 9.
BALLARD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (6-2)
Wesley Hedrick 6, Patrick Mullins 4, Bryce Paynter 2, Gage Bowles 10, Blake Bowles 23, Zach Ward 12.
MCA......13 15 8 18 — 54
Ballard...11 11 18 17 — 57
3-point goals — MCA 11 (Easter 1, Janning 4, D. Boothe 3, Scott 3); BCS 4 (B. Bowles 3, Ward 1).