Heartland Christian Academy Varsity Basketball Teams Honored for Sportsmanship at MCSAA Winter Tournament

Front row, from the left: Wesley Mayes, Kaydn Aldridge, David Toro, Aiden Robbins, Nathan Hayeslip. Back row: Assistant Coach Nathanael Short, Titus Bock, Assistant Coach Peter Nickerson, Riley Kiser, Coach JC Morgan, Simeon Nickerson and Samuel Toro.

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The Heartland Community rallied behind their Heartland Christian Academy (HCA) Eagles boys and girls varsity basketball teams last weekend as they traveled to Joplin, Missouri, to compete in the Missouri Christian Schools Athletic Association’s (MCSAA) winter tournament. Both teams demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and unwavering Christ-like character, and their outstanding sportsmanship, both on and off the court, earned them the prestigious Don Gross Sportsmanship Award.

HCA Athletic Director Jared Nickerson reported, “The HCA Lady Eagles girls varsity team faced a challenging tournament but maintained positive attitudes throughout. Despite tough losses against Berean Christian Academy (15-90) and Maranatha Baptist Academy (15-38), they persevered and secured a victory against Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis (44-16), ultimately placing 7th in Division 3.

“The HCA Eagles boys varsity team displayed exceptional skill and determination, winning all three of their tournament games. They claimed victories over Show Me Christian School (66-19), Victory Road Christian Academy (67-54), and El Dorado Christian School (51-47) in the championship game, securing 1st place in Division 4. We also congratulate seniors Titus Bock and Riley Kiser who were selected First Team All-State.”

Nickerson added, “We are extremely proud of both teams for their effort, perseverance, and positive attitudes. The Don Gross Sportsmanship Award is a testament to their commitment to honoring Christ in competition, no matter the odds, proving that life is bigger than basketball. HCA commends its student-athletes for their dedication, teamwork, and the example they set for others. Their performance at the MCSAA tournament exemplifies the school’s mission of fostering excellence both in sports and in character.”