Impact Christian Academy is on a mission, and they’re making it look easy. The No. 1 seed Impact defeated Eagles View 80-46 in the Elite 8, securing their spot in the Final Four once again. This marks the fifth time Head Coach Benjamin Jones has led Impact to the Final Four, having previously done so in 2017-2018, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2023-2024, and now in the 2024-2025 season.
Balanced Scoring Attack Leads the Way
Impact showed off their deep lineup against Eagles View, with multiple players stepping up to contribute. Chris Jackson led the charge with 19 points, proving once again why he’s a key piece of this talented squad. Not far behind was the 6-foot-9 standout Mechack Olungu, who scored 14 points and controlled the paint all night.
Meanwhile, Frandy Perez, Sterling Moody, and Ronald Clark each chipped in 10 points, showcasing Impact’s balanced scoring attack. With so many weapons on offense, it’s no wonder Impact has been so tough to beat this season.
A Nail-Biter Against Rival NFEI
While Impact cruised past Eagles View, their toughest test came just one round earlier in the Sweet 16 against rival NFEI. In a thrilling matchup, Impact narrowly escaped with a 59-57 victory. Ronald Clark was the hero of the night, leading the team with 21 points. Chris Jackson added 15 points, and Mechack Olungu contributed 11 points, helping Impact survive and advance.
A Dominant Start to the Playoffs
Impact’s playoff journey began with a bang as they easily defeated No. 8 seed Meadowbrook Academy 77-20 in the first round. Frandy Perez led the way with 20 points, while Sterling Moody and Ronald Clark each added 11 points. It was a dominant performance that set the tone for their playoff run.
Looking Ahead: A Rematch with Sagemont
Next up, Impact faces a familiar foe in the Final Four—Sagemont. These two teams met last year, and now they’re set to clash again. Sagemont, led by Head Coach David Roe, comes into the matchup with a 20-8 record and plenty of firepower.
Sagemont’s top scorers include 6-foot-5 Matthew Able, who averages 20.4 points per game and is committed to the University of Miami, and Patrick Liburd, who averages 16.4 points per game and is headed to Coastal Carolina. Additionally, 6-foot-8 Kevin Thomas (offers Auburn, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, California) adds 17.3 points per game, giving Sagemont a powerful trio of scoring threats.
Matthew Able
— Coach Joe Philon (@coachjoephilon) January 9, 2025
Class of 2025
Sagemont High School #Jamanjifilms #fyp #thewatcher #Basketball #MatthewAble @MatthewAble35 pic.twitter.com/QNNeaNhqyK
Star Power on Display
Impact will rely on their own stars to get the job done, including Ronald Clark, who averages 13.9 points per game, and Jeremiah Jones, who chips in 11.7 points per game. Clark burst on the scene last year sending his team to State with a buzzer beater. He’s now a known commodity in Northeast Florida basketball as he returns with experience to the Final 4. With Coach Jones’ experience and leadership, Impact is confident heading into this tough matchup.
Check out this UNBELIEVABLE FINISH!!! Impact defeats University Christian at the buzzer! Ronald Clark sends his team back to State! pic.twitter.com/6ugIi5Qvlp
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 24, 2024
Will Impact’s balanced scoring and playoff experience be enough to overcome Sagemont’s star-studded lineup? Fans won’t want to miss this high-stakes rematch! Stay tuned as Impact Christian Academy continues their quest for a state championship.
