Paladin Team’s Title Hopes End with Loss to Mount Paran
The Fellowship Christian School seventh-grade boys’ basketball team’s quest for a Metro 10 League Championship ended with a loss in the finals.
The Paladins lost to host Mount Paran Christian School, 28-24, in the finals of the Metro 10 League Playoffs on Jan. 29. It was a clash between the league’s top two teams. The Eagles finished with an undefeated record.
Despite the loss, FCS ended the season with a 14-3 record.
It was a close game throughout with the Eagles leading 14-10 at half.
“It was a great defensive game, and very physical,” head coach Brad Welty said. “Both teams played hard, but the offenses had a tough time scoring.”
FCS was able to tie the game in the second half, but the squad could never gain control and Mount Paran was able to hold on for the 4-point win.
“I am super proud of the effort the guys gave, and the composure they played with,” said Welty, who noted Mount Paran shot 18 free throws to five for FCS. “We committed 16 fouls to just six for Mount Paran. They played very physical defense and did a very good job of somehow avoiding fouls. They played to their strength well, which was their 6-foot-4 center. He played very strong inside and was also an effective passer. Our guys did a great job of making it very tough on him, but ultimately, they were able to convert eight more free throws and seal the win. Their coach always does a great job of coaching to their strengths and taking advantage of it. They deserved the win. My guys executed our defensive plan well, but we came up just short.”
Fellowship fell just short of winning back-to-back Metro 10 Championships as the Welty-coached sixth-grade team won the championship in 2025.
“I could not have asked the guys to do anything more than they did,” he said. “I just wish I could have come up with a couple things to maybe give us a better chance to win. I’m sure I’ll be up thinking about that, but the team should be very proud of their play. It was another great season with them, and I am proud to be their coach."
