AHOSKIE – After a three-year absence from the national scene, the 12-and-under Immanuel Kings AAU basketball team has qualified for the nationals in Lexington, KY.

The Kings defeated the Fayetteville Warriors 28-32 in the State Consolation Tournament. Late in the fourth quarter, the Kings took the lead for good on a Tervon Stanley jumper.

Trace Larabee hit a tree-point basket and Dontez Tyler made two free throws to finish the scoring. Larabee led all scorer with 10 points followed by Norman Cherry (8), Stanley (7), Tyler (6), Wykevin Bazemore (5) and Jalen Cooley (2).

On the heels of qualifying for the nationals, the Kings knocked off the Division II state champion Elizabeth City Blazers.

Immanuel used a pressure man-to-man defense and a balanced offensive attack to beat the Blazers 52-44, behind the efforts of Stanley with 16 points, Cherry with 12 and Tyler with 10.

The Kings will be traveling to Kentucky on July 16-23 to compete in the Amateur Athlete Union Division II national championships.

Immanuel expressed thanks to all citizens and businesses that support the kings.

Those wishing to make donations may call 332-6917.