By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

HOMEWOOD — It was a battle of the Hopes Jan. 17, as the Hope Christian Eagles of Pelham hosted the Hope Academy Eagles, with the Pelham-based squad taking a 50-1 win at its “home” gym on Samford’s campus.

The contest was all Hope Christian, as HCS opened up the game with a 17-7 run in the first quarter alone.

The domination continued in the second quarter, as HCS kicked off the period with a 5-0 run. A pair of free throws by Karlee Tate, followed by two-straight baskets by Lindy Walker extended the run to 9-0. In a display of strong defense, HCS shut out Hope Academy for the entire quarter, taking a 26-7 lead into the half.

Hope Christian picked the scoring up in the second half, as Sarah Birdsong scored the first basket of the third quarter. Karlee Tate followed with a pair of 3-pointers, split by a Davina Drew basket. Drew added two more points off free throws, as Hope Christian used a 14-2 run to take a 40-7 lead headed into the fourth quarter.

Walker put Hope Christian on the board first in the fourth quarter, as she, Drew and Kathleen Clark all combined to give the Eagles a 10-5 run in the fourth to take the 50-14 win.

Karlee Tate led scoring for Hope, as she recorded 17 points off five 3-point shots. Walker posted nine points, five rebounds and five steals and Drew had eight points, five steals and five rebounds.

Hope moves on to face EFCA on Jan. 20.