By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

ALABASTER — The only way to describe the Dec. 2 matchup between Kingwood Christian and Autauga Academy was an utter blowout.

The Lions shot and scored early and often, as they took down the Generals 85-42.

The game looked to be a close contest, as the two squads played to a 7-5 Kingwood lead early in the first period. A C’Yontai Lewis dunk quickly shifted the momentum in Kingwood’s favor, and the Lions rode a 10-4 run to a 19-11 lead. The Generals were able to close the gap to 19-15 to end the first quarter.

It was as close as the Generals got to the lead, as the Lions poured it on in the second. Kingwood absolutely dominated the second quarter on both sides of the ball, scoring 32 points while allowing just three from Autauga. By the end of the half, the contest was all but decided as the Lions took a 51-18 lead into the half.

Coming out of the half, many of the Lions’ starters found themselves resting on the bench due to the big lead. The younger players on the team took full advantage, outscoring the Generals 25-10 in the third quarter.

Kingwood started the fourth quarter with a 76-28 lead, and continued to let the underclassmen gain experience. Autauga, though down several points, continued to fight as well. despite outscoring the Lions 14-9 in the fourth quarter, the Generals were simply too far behind mount any kind of comeback. Kingwood held on for a 85-42 final score.

Head coach Danny Davis said the win was a boost to the team’s morale going forward.

“It gives us confidence,” he said. “It gives us a sense of confidence know I can go 13 deep and still be okay. I don’t let them not shoot. As long as they take good shots. It loosens them up to know ‘Hey, Coach trusts me.'”

John Fillingham led Kingwood with 22 points, while Lewis had 18 points, nine rebounds and three steals.