SUMTER — An opportunity for redemption and a state championship is just 32 minutes away for the Newberry Academy boys’ basketball team.

The Eagles will play Lower State champion and defending Class A state champion Myrtle Beach Christian Academy for the SCISA Class A state title tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. at the Sumter Exhibition Center.

Myrtle Beach Christian Academy eliminated Newberry Academy from the playoffs in the state semifinal round last year and defeated the Eagles 50-33 on Feb. 7.

“We’re the underdog, no doubt about it,” Newberry Academy coach Scott Gardner said. “They put us out last year. They’ve already beaten us by 17 this year. But we can play with them. I would rather be playing (tomorrow) than sitting in the stands.”

Since losing to the Saints three weeks ago, the Eagles have claimed regular season and tournament region championships. Newberry Academy earned the right to play for the state title by knocking off Glenforest 60-49 last night in Sumter.

“You start the season every year with one goal, and that goal can be realized (tomorrow) by playing for a state championship,” Gardner said. “Whether we win it or not is yet to be seen, but the team we beat tonight, won’t have that chance and I’d rather it be us.”

Directions to the Sumter Exhibition Center (from Google)

— take I-26 East

— take exit 116 to I-77N, towards Charlotte

— take exit 9 for Garners Ferry Road/US-76/US-378

— follow signs for Sumter/Garners Ferry Road/US-76/US-378 (34.4 miles)

— turn right at Alice Drive/SC-120 (2.6 miles)

— turn left at W. Liberty St/SC-763