Calvary Christian Academy (Florida) routs Auburn (Washington) 71-44 to win 2022 State Champions Invitational

TAMPA, Fla. - Calvary Christian Academy left no doubt.

The Eagles, ranked No. 6 in the SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25, led wire-to-wire in a convincing 71-44 victory over Auburn (Washington) in the finals of the inaugural State Champions Invitational on Saturday.

The Eagles reached the championship game with a dominant 58-37 win over Sidwell Friends (D.C.) in Thursday’s semifinal.

The Trojans reached the championship game with a 58-41 rout of Norcross (Georgia) in the semifinals.

It's the first national championship in school history for the Eagles, who won their second consecutive Class 4A Florida boys basketball state title last month.

“We missed out on a GEICO Nationals bid, but to come here and win a national title especially in the first year of this event is pretty sweet,” said Calvary Christian Academy head coach Cilk McSweeney.

Junior guard Carl Cherenfant led the Eagles with 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists. He was one of five Calvary Christian players in double figures. Taylor Hendricks (UCF signee) and Brenen Lorient (Florida Atlantic signee) each finished with 13 points.

“It was a blessing to be here to play on the big stage,” Hendricks said.

Hendricks was selected as the MVP of the State Champions Invitational.

The Trojans were led by senior guard Maleek Arington who finished with a game-high 17 points. Senior forward Trevon Blassingame added a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

The 2023 State Champions Invitational is expected to expand to eight teams and is scheduled to be played in April 2023 at a site to be determined.

BOX SCORE 1 2 3 4 - Total

Auburn 11 14 11 8 - 44

C.C. Academy 26 9 19 17 - 71

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES

Auburn: Maleek Arington - 17 points (6-of-16 from the field)

Auburn: Trevon Blassingame - 13 points, 11 rebounds

Calvary Christian: Carl Cherenfant - 14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists

Here are photos from the game:

(Photos by Annette Wilkerson)