History was made in Springfield

EVAC took four teams, over 110 people, and a whole lot of purpose to Springfield, Missouri for the NCHBC National Tournament.

The tournament this year included:

Over 400 teams.

Over 3,500 athletes.

Over 10,000 spectators.

And right in the middle of it all was our community.

This tournament is never just about basketball. It is about growth, adversity, relationships, and the opportunity to compete at a high level while keeping our eyes fixed on something bigger. And once again, that is exactly what happened.

Varsity Girls

Six games in five days is no joke.

The girls hit adversity early in the tournament, but they never backed down. They stayed together, kept competing, and finished the week with a convincing win.

What stood out most was not the record. It was their resilience.

They played hard to the final whistle every single game. No matter the scoreboard, they lived it out… playing For His Glory. That kind of consistency in effort and attitude is something to celebrate.

JV Girls

The JV girls put together an incredible run all the way to the Copper Ball Championship.

In that final game, they found themselves down 14 early. It could have been easy to fold. Instead, they fought.

They clawed their way all the way back and took the lead in the final minute.

It ended in a tough, heartbreaking loss, but make no mistake… that game showed exactly who they are. Tough. United. Relentless.

Varsity Boys

The varsity boys went 4 and 1 and brought home the Bronze Ball with a third place finish.

But the moment that will stick is how it ended.

All five seniors on the court.

A hard fought win.

And over 100 people in the stands cheering them on.

That is what EVAC is about.

Not just competing at a high level, but doing it together. Finishing a season united. Being surrounded by a community that shows up.

That is bigger than any trophy.

JV Boys

And then… history.

After losing their initial seeding game on Monday, the JV boys had a choice to make.

They chose to respond.

Five wins in the next four days.

Playing their best basketball of the entire season.

Competing with an unmatched level of intensity.

They fully lived out their theme all week long… fight and joy.

And because of that, they are bringing home the 16u D4 National Championship… the first National Championship in EVAC history.

Let that sink in.

First. Ever.

Lincoln Ray was named MVP of the division, highlighted by a 33 point performance on Tuesday, the first 30+ point game of his career.

An incredible individual performance inside an even more incredible team story.

More Than Basketball

There is so much to celebrate.

Wins.

Growth.

Resilience.

Community.

Faith.

This week was a reminder of what makes EVAC special. It is not just the competition. It is who these athletes are becoming in the process.

Thank you to every player, coach, parent, and supporter who made this trip possible.

And most importantly…

Praise God for the opportunity to compete, to grow, and to represent Him on and off the court.

For His Glory! 👏👏